Amnesty International reports a brutal crackdown in Mozambique post-election, with over 300 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. The violence followed protests against alleged electoral fraud supporting candidate Venancio Mondlane. Amnesty highlights armed response to peaceful protests and numerous arrests, urging investigations into human rights violations by authorities.
Mozambique faced severe unrest following its election last October, with Amnesty International reporting a brutal crackdown by security forces leading to over 300 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries among protesters. Local activists highlighted this violence, prompting calls for investigations into the killings and other human rights violations by Mozambican authorities.
The protests erupted after the election, in which Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner amidst widespread allegations of electoral fraud. Citizens rallied in support of Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Podemos party, particularly intensified after the assassination of Mondlane’s lawyer and a Podemos official.
In response to Mondlane’s call for protests, security forces employed deadly tactics from October 21 to January 25, using live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas against largely peaceful demonstrators. Amnesty’s report highlighted severe discrepancies, revealing that Plataforma DECIDE reported 315 fatalities, sharply contrasting with the police’s lower count of 96.
Amnesty reported that mass arrests targeted not just protesters but also bystanders, including minors, estimating over 4,000 arbitrary arrests. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Mozambican internet service providers restricted access to social media during critical protest moments.
After being sworn in January, Chapo met with Mondlane in March, promising investigations into the violence. The long-standing rule of Frelimo since Mozambique’s independence has been marked by allegations of electoral manipulation, complicating the political landscape, particularly in light of the 15-year civil war history with the opposition group Renamo.
Despite the protests subsiding post-crackdown, violence continues, exemplified by recent attacks on Mondlane’s campaign associates, including a severe shooting incident involving one of his organizers, Joel Amaral, who remains hospitalized.
The situation reflects ongoing tension within Mozambican society, revealing a fragile state of governance and persistent civil rights concerns.
In summary, Mozambique has experienced a tragic aftermath of post-election violence, with Amnesty International detailing extensive human rights violations, including mass arrests and killings by security forces. The government is urged to investigate these incidents and uphold citizens’ rights. The cycle of violence and distrust among citizens emphasizes the urgent need for reform and accountability within Mozambique’s political framework.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
