Amnesty International reported a brutal crackdown by Mozambique’s security forces post-elections, resulting in over 300 deaths. Protests against alleged electoral fraud turned violent, with significant rights violations, mass arrests, and excessive force used by authorities. The situation remains tense despite calls for investigation and justice.
Amnesty International has reported that Mozambique’s security forces engaged in a severe crackdown on post-election protests, resulting in over 300 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries within three months following the election. The organization urged the Mozambican authorities to investigate these killings and ensure justice for rights violations.
Following the October 9 elections, which saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner amidst allegations of fraud, thousands protested. The demonstrations were particularly in support of independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, backed by the opposition Podemos party. The unrest escalated after the Oct. 18 assassination of Mondlane’s lawyer and a Podemos official.
Mondlane labeled the killings as political assassinations, subsequently calling for 25 days of protests. Citing safety concerns, he left Mozambique but returned in January. Amnesty’s findings indicated that from October 21 to January 25, the police and army employed lethal force against mostly peaceful protests, using live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
Citing the civil society group Plataforma DECIDE, Amnesty found that 315 individuals died during the protests, a number significantly higher than the 96 deaths acknowledged by the authorities. The report also elaborated on the excessive use of firearms by police and military personnel against both protesters and bystanders.
Amnesty highlighted that over 4,000 arrests were made, often arbitrarily, including among teenagers. Additionally, it presented evidence of internet service providers restricting access to social media platforms during critical moments of the protests. Despite the turmoil, Chapo was inaugurated as president in January, and he and Mondlane attempted mediation in March, with promises of investigations into the deaths of protesters.
The Frelimo party has maintained control since Mozambique’s independence in 1975 but has faced accusations of election rigging. Reports by election observers indicated serious irregularities during the recent elections, including the deliberate invalidation of opposition votes. Historical struggles between Frelimo and the rebel group Renamo have shaped Mozambique’s political landscape, with recent protests representing a significant challenge to Frelimo’s authority. Violence persists, as evidenced by a recent attack on one of Mondlane’s campaign organizers in Quelimane, who survived a shooting incident that left him critically injured.
In conclusion, the situation in Mozambique following the recent elections has been marked by significant civil unrest, fueled by allegations of electoral fraud and brutal government responses. Amnesty International’s call for accountability underscores the need for justice in the face of widespread human rights violations. Despite attempts at dialogue between the government and opposition leaders, the persistence of violence suggests ongoing political instability.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
