UN independent human rights experts have demanded that the Mozambique authorities take immediate action to end violence and suppression of peaceful protests following disputed presidential elections on October 9. The unrest led to multiple fatalities, injuries, and arrests, with serious allegations of electoral fraud. Experts stress the necessity of protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring accountability for violence committed by law enforcement.
Experts in human rights, affiliated with the United Nations, have urgently appealed to the government of Mozambique to halt the ongoing violence and suppression of peaceful demonstrators following the contentious general elections held on October 9. The elections culminated in significant unrest, with numerous reports indicating that the security forces employed violent and repressive tactics against peaceful protesters between the election date and November 7, resulting in at least 30 fatalities, including a child’s death, and over 200 injuries. Furthermore, around 300 individuals were detained in connection with these protests. The unrest primarily stems from allegations of electoral fraud concerning the victory of Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling party, Frelimo, which has dominated the political landscape since 1975. There have been disturbing reports of lethal violence against unarmed protesters, prompting human rights experts to demand thorough investigations into these unlawful killings. The experts expressed their concern regarding the excessive use of force by law enforcement during these protests. As citizens raised questions about the electoral integrity, they demanded an end to violence while urging the authorities to foster a safe environment for participatory political processes. Reports have highlighted the curtailment of media freedoms, with instances of harassment of journalists and disruptions to internet access. The rights experts emphasized the critical responsibility of law enforcement to protect the rights of individuals exercising their right to peaceful assembly and to maintain neutrality during protests. The UN experts reiterated that violations associated with the electoral process could have long-lasting repercussions on Mozambique’s democratic framework, indicating their commitment to ongoing dialogue with the authorities and monitoring the evolving situation closely. They strongly condemned the misplaced disruptions of essential communication services, emphasizing that transparency and accountability are vital for peace and democracy. In conclusion, the call from these human rights experts serves as an urgent reminder of the importance of upholding democratic rights and ensuring the protection of citizens’ freedoms in Mozambique amidst a backdrop of electoral tension and unrest.
The article discusses the urgent concerns expressed by UN human rights experts following violent incidents in Mozambique after contentious presidential elections. The disputed elections, held on October 9, led to widespread protests fueled by allegations of fraud, resulting in significant violence and fatalities. The ongoing situation raises critical questions regarding electoral integrity, human rights violations, and the need for accountability from law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the precarious state of democracy in Mozambique.
The UN experts’ plea for an immediate cessation of violence in Mozambique underlines the pressing need for government accountability and protection of citizens’ rights. As allegations of electoral fraud raise serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, maintaining public peace, ensuring safety for demonstrators, and safeguarding media freedoms emerge as paramount. The situation calls for vigilance and constructive dialogue to uphold democratic values in Mozambique.
Original Source: news.un.org
