Mozambican police assert they use legitimate methods to disperse protests while facing accusations of excessive violence. Civil organizations report grave human rights abuses, including shootings resulting in deaths since the protests began. Government officials have called for non-violent measures, emphasizing dialogue, highlighting a disconnect between police actions and official recommendations.
In Mozambique, police spokesperson Leonel Muchina has asserted that the police utilize only legitimate means to disperse protesters despite ongoing mass protests. Muchina admitted that unforeseen situations could result in injuries or fatalities. He stated, “Sometimes the demonstrators, or those proposing to demonstrate, create situations of vandalism and we have legitimate means to react.”
Civil society organizations, such as the Human Rights Commission of the Mozambican Bar Association (CDH-OAM), accuse the authorities of engaging in repressive measures against citizens protesting the outcomes of the recent general elections. They have reported serious violations, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances among supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, concerning incidents during demonstrations since October 21.
The “Decide” Electoral Platform reported alarming statistics, stating that police actions have resulted in 361 deaths and 619 injuries due to gunfire since the protest activities commenced. Reports indicate that the police have not limited themselves to non-lethal measures like tear gas but have also employed live ammunition during crowd control operations, leading to tragic outcomes.
A recent incident in Matola highlights these concerns, where a young man was reported killed by a bullet presumed to be fired by a member of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) amidst celebrations for an unofficial “heroes day” declared by Mondlane. Witnesses reported police aggression as they fired tear gas and live ammo at celebratory youths, leading to the fatality of a young man who was pursued into a nearby area.
Protesters have clarified their intentions during the gathering, stating they were not causing any disturbances, asserting, “We weren’t vandalising anything. We were just playing music, and cleaning up.” The use of live ammunition has sparked inner government contradictions, with Minister of Justice Mateus Saize condemning it, stating the government advises against such actions.
The new police chief, Joaquim Sive, recently emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence, advocating for police to act as facilitators in conflicts rather than aggressive enforcers. He urged police officers to work collaboratively with citizens, but the Maputo city police command appears to be ignoring these directives.
In conclusion, the situation in Mozambique reflects a significant controversy regarding the police’s handling of protests. Official claims of legitimate crowd dispersal methods starkly contrast with accusations of excessive force and human rights abuses. The ongoing calls for dialogue by government leaders indicate a potential shift in approach, although enforcement practices remain concerning. Civil society organizations continue to monitor and report on these critical issues to ensure accountability and justice.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
