The Mozambican police stated they use “legitimate means” such as tear gas to disperse protests, acknowledging potential injuries. They emphasized that while protesting is constitutional, it should not infringe on the rights of others. Ongoing unrest has resulted in numerous casualties and property damage, highlighting the socio-political challenges in Mozambique.
The Mozambican police asserted on Tuesday that they employ “legitimate means” to disperse demonstrators, acknowledging the potential for injuries during the dispersal of protests that obstruct roads and hinder the movement of individuals and goods. Leonel Muchina, the head of the public relations department of the Mozambican police general command (PRM), emphasized the necessity of ensuring public order under such circumstances.
During a press conference in Maputo, Muchina reiterated that the police utilize measures for crowd dispersal, characterizing these as “legitimate” and citing the use of “tear gas” as an example. He acknowledged the possibility of injuries occurring involuntarily during these operations, highlighting the balance needed between maintaining public order and supporting citizens’ rights to protest.
Muchina recognized that “protesting is constitutional” but urged demonstrators to respect the fundamental rights of others, asserting that the right to access roads should not be compromised. He noted the impact on social services and access to essential facilities, such as hospitals, due to the obstruction of roadways by protests.
The police additionally stated that participation in demonstrations should be voluntary, stressing that “violent protests” hinder national development. Mozambique has faced significant social unrest since October, triggered by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane’s opposition to the election results favoring Daniel Chapo. Despite the protests occurring on a smaller scale, grievances over the rising cost of living and various social issues persist.
Tragically, reports indicate that at least 357 individuals have died since the onset of unrest, including approximately two dozen minors, according to monitoring group Decide. The government has confirmed at least 80 fatalities and significant property damage, including the destruction of commercial establishments, schools, and healthcare centers during the demonstrations.
In conclusion, the Mozambican police maintain that they utilize legitimate means to manage protests and ensure public order. They advocate for both the right to protest and the need to uphold the rights of all citizens, particularly the necessity of unhindered access to essential services. The ongoing unrest, which has been marked by violence and significant casualties, underscores the challenges facing Mozambique in addressing social and political grievances.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
