Human Rights Watch reported that at least 10 children were killed in Mozambique due to post-election violence, with many more injured. Demonstrations against the ruling Frelimo party have faced brutal police suppression since the October 9 election. President Nyusi claims 19 have died, while civil organizations report over 67 fatalities. Talks with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane are proposed amid the ongoing unrest.
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the violence that erupted in Mozambique following the October 9 elections has led to the tragic deaths of at least ten children, with many others injured. Demonstrations against the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed since the nation’s independence, have been met with aggressive police repression. Reports detailed a particularly heart-wrenching incident involving a 13-year-old girl who was fatally shot amid a chaotic attempt to flee from tear gas and gunfire. HRW has documented additional fatalities, stating that nine other children were killed, while at least thirty-six sustained injuries due to gunfire during these protests.
The Mozambican authorities have remained silent concerning HRW’s serious allegations. Furthermore, there have been instances where police detained hundreds of children for extended periods without notifying their families, constituting a breach of international human rights protocols. In a recent speech, President Filipe Nyusi, who plans to step down in January, characterized the unrest as “an attempt to install chaos in our country.” He reported 19 deaths during the conflicts, five of which were police personnel, while civil society estimates suggest that over 67 individuals have lost their lives since the unrest commenced.
In light of these events, President Nyusi has engaged the main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, in discussions. Mondlane, who asserts victory in the elections and has been at the forefront of the protests, indicated his willingness to engage with Nyusi under certain conditions, including virtual talks and the cessation of legal actions against him. However, he has reportedly left Mozambique, potentially fearing arrest or assault, with his current whereabouts remaining undisclosed.
The recent political unrest in Mozambique stems from a contentious election held on October 9, where the ruling party, Frelimo, faced opposition claims of electoral fraud. Frelimo has been in power since the country gained independence, and the opposition’s contestation has triggered large-scale protests across the nation. The violent response from the police has raised serious human rights concerns, particularly regarding the welfare of children caught in the crossfire. Reports highlight that the situation escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with numerous casualties and detentions, leading to widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.
The post-election violence in Mozambique has revealed a deeply troubling human rights situation, particularly with the reported killings and injuries of children amidst the protests. As the government faces accusations of excessive force and unlawful detentions, the need for dialogue between political leaders becomes urgent. While President Nyusi has initiated talks with the opposition, the ongoing unrest highlights the fragility of Mozambique’s political landscape and the imperative for peaceful resolution to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens, especially the vulnerable children caught in this turmoil.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
