Human Rights Watch has reported that over 10 children were killed by Mozambique’s security forces amid protests following a contested presidential election. The unrest was further fueled by the assassination of opposition figures, leading to significant violence, detentions, and public disruption across the nation, with calls for accountability growing louder.
Human Rights Watch reported that security forces in Mozambique have killed at least 10 children and injured many others while violently suppressing protests triggered by a contested presidential election. The unrest followed the declaration of Daniel Chapo as the election winner on October 24, leading to public outcry over allegations of electoral fraud. Hundreds of minors have reportedly been detained in violation of international law, raising considerable concern among advocacy groups.
Following the announcement of the election results, the protests intensified, especially after the assassination of two prominent opposition figures on October 18, an incident their party attributes to political motives. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who lost to Chapo, has fled the country for safety reasons after his lawyer was murdered in the attack.
International rights organizations state that security forces have claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals using live ammunition against demonstrators, while local records indicate the death toll may reach approximately 50. The Mozambique Bar Association intervened to release over 2,700 detainees held by security forces, many of whom were minors. The ongoing violence has led to significant disruptions in daily life across Mozambique, prompting a military response to restore order.
The political situation in Mozambique has escalated following the presidential election on October 9, where widespread allegations of electoral fraud emerged. Despite these claims, the ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo of the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), was declared the winner. Historical context indicates that Frelimo has maintained a strong grip on power since the nation’s independence in 1975. Protests erupted in response to the perceived injustices of the election results, which were exacerbated by recent violence against opposition leaders, heightening tensions within the society.
In summary, the crisis in Mozambique reflects deep-rooted political unrest stemming from disputed electoral processes and has tragically resulted in the deaths of children and extensive civil rights violations. The nation grapples with unrest as security forces intensify their measures to stifle the protests. The international community continues to watch in concern as minors remain at the forefront of the violence and detentions, pushing for accountability in the wake of these harrowing events.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
