Joaquim Sive, general commander of the Mozambican police, asserted that law enforcement should rely on dialogue over violence in responding to protests. His comments come amid heightened public unrest, initially over electoral fraud and now focusing on living costs, resulting in over 300 deaths attributed to police actions. Sive urged police officers to exemplify integrity and respect for citizens while advocating for non-lethal methods in crowd control.
Joaquim Sive, the newly appointed general commander of the Mozambican police force (PRM), emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing protests rather than resorting to violence. In his remarks during a ceremony for police academy graduates near Maputo, he expressed concern over the police’s response to public demonstrations, which have escalated since last October, initially sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and later focused on rising living costs.
The ongoing clashes between police and demonstrators have tragically resulted in over 300 fatalities, predominantly caused by police gunfire. This troubling toll compelled Sive to advocate for more measured responses from law enforcement, urging police officers to act as facilitators of dialogue and to engage proactively with communities to seek consensus.
Sive called for officers to embody integrity and empathy, recognizing the complex nature of maintaining public safety. He articulated the notion that every citizen deserves to live in a safe environment, highlighting the responsibility of law enforcement to uphold this right. In a recent statement, Justice Minister Mateus Saize remarked that the use of live ammunition in crowd control is unwarranted, suggesting alternatives such as rubber bullets and tear gas. Nonetheless, the reliance on lethal force by the Rapid Intervention Unit has unfortunately become common practice.
In conclusion, Joaquim Sive’s call for dialogue and community engagement represents a significant shift in the Mozambican police’s approach to public protests. His advocacy for integrity among police officers and caution against the use of live ammunition reflects a growing awareness of the need for humane and constructive law enforcement. As unrest continues, it is vital for authorities to adopt balanced measures prioritizing mediation to ensure public safety while respecting citizens’ rights.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
