Amnesty International has raised alarms regarding police killings during protests in Mozambique, calling for urgent action from SADC and the African Union. With the death toll rising and violent crackdowns on dissent increasing, the upcoming SADC summit is critical for addressing these human rights violations and advocating for accountability.
In light of the recent police killings during post-election protests in Mozambique, Amnesty International has expressed urgent concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situation. On 13 November 2024, at least seven individuals lost their lives amid the unrest following contested elections on 9 October. Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, criticized the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its silence in response to the violence against peaceful demonstrators. The need for a swift and robust response from SADC as well as the African Union to hold Mozambican authorities accountable for these violations has never been clearer.
The SADC’s forthcoming extraordinary summit, scheduled for 16 to 20 November in Harare, Zimbabwe, is proposed as a critical platform for addressing these grave concerns. Reports from local civil society organizations indicate that the Mozambican government has implemented a severe crackdown on dissent, resulting in numerous casualties and large-scale arrests. This systemic violence underscores the urgent necessity for a unified and vocal stance from regional bodies to protect the right to peaceful assembly and advocate for accountability in Mozambique.
Equating human rights violations with electoral legitimacy, the opposition, led by Venancio Mondlane, has organized protests against alleged fraud and police brutality. This wave of demonstrations from 13 to 15 November signifies a growing frustration among the populace toward the government’s violent suppression of dissent. The situation continues to escalate, with instances of reprisals directed at law enforcement, creating an environment of fear and instability.
The political unrest in Mozambique intensified after the elections held on 9 October 2024, which were marred by allegations of fraud and subsequent violence. The government’s response to peaceful protests has been increasingly violent, marked by numerous fatalities and widespread detentions. This crisis has prompted calls for intervention from the SADC and the African Union, urging them to prioritize human rights and accountability. The upcoming extraordinary summit in Harare presents an opportunity for these organizations to address the ongoing human rights violations and assert their commitment to safeguarding civil liberties in the region.
In summary, the escalating violence in Mozambique demands immediate attention from both SADC and the African Union. The silence of these organizations amidst ongoing human rights violations is troubling and calls for a decisive stance advocating for the protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. The upcoming summit represents a pivotal moment to address these issues, reinforcing the importance of accountability and governance in the face of electoral unrest.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
