Amnesty International has voiced serious concerns over a spate of shootings targeting opposition supporters in Mozambique. Following alleged human rights abuses, including over 300 deaths during protests after the 2024 elections, urgent investigations are called for. The organization stresses the need for President Chapo to ensure accountability and safeguard human rights amid growing repression.
Amnesty International has raised alarms over a recent surge of violence, specifically shootings targeting opposition supporters in Mozambique. Khanyo Farisè, the organization’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated that recent incidents include an attack on an opposition official’s home, the lethal shooting of two party members, and police aggression during a peaceful protest led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, which resulted in injuries to at least a dozen individuals.
These incidents underline the growing concern surrounding the repression of protests in Mozambique following the controversial elections held on October 9, 2024. Major demonstrations erupted on October 21, 2024, after the tragic killings of two prominent figures linked to the opposition, raising alarms about the potential return of systematic oppression against dissent.
Farisè emphasized that the Mozambican authorities must conduct urgent investigations into reported human rights abuses, highlighting that over 300 deaths, including those of children, have occurred during the state crackdown on protests. He urged President Daniel Chapo to prioritize accountability and to halt the repression targeting political opponents and peaceful demonstrators.
Since the elections, credible reports indicate widespread human rights violations, including injuries to over 700 individuals and the arbitrary detention of thousands. Allegations include torture and ill-treatment within detention facilities, alongside measures such as internet restrictions and targeting of journalists by government forces. The protests remain ongoing, with heightened tensions since President Chapo’s inauguration in January, as he has openly compared protesters to “terrorists” and threatened violent measures to suppress dissent.
In light of recent violent incidents against opposition supporters, it is essential for Mozambican authorities to initiate prompt investigations into human rights violations. The escalating pattern of violence, impunity, and suppression of dissent underscores the urgent need for accountability and the protection of basic human rights in Mozambique. Without immediate action, the cycle of violence against political adversaries may persist, threatening the stability of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
