Amnesty International has condemned the police killings and human rights violations in Mozambique following post-election protests, urging the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take a strong stance. With the situation worsening, the African Union is also called to hold authorities accountable for recent abuses. Upcoming SADC discussions must prioritize human rights as tensions escalate in the region.
In light of recent police violence in Mozambique, where seven individuals were killed during protests on November 13, 2024, Amnesty International has called for action from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Khanyo Farisè, the Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the urgent need for SADC to address these violations of human rights. As the situation deteriorates and the death toll continues to rise, SADC’s silence is becoming increasingly unacceptable.
The human rights situation in Mozambique has escalated significantly following the disputed elections on October 9. Protests erupted in response to alleged electoral fraud and have been met with severe crackdowns by authorities. The police have reportedly killed dozens, injured over one hundred, and arbitrarily detained thousands of protesters, as revealed by local civil society organizations. The military has also been deployed to quell dissent, raising concerns about further violence.
In conjunction with SADC’s forthcoming summit from November 16 to 20 in Zimbabwe, it is imperative that human rights violations in Mozambique are placed at the forefront of discussions. The African Union, in addition, is urged to increase accountability measures against the Mozambican authorities, including potential investigations by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Amnesty International’s call to action extends to the African Union, stressing the importance of holding Mozambique’s government accountable for the human rights abuses occurring during the unrest. The ongoing protests, which are organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane and have seen calls for further action against police brutality, reflect mounting public frustration over the government’s handling of the election and subsequent protests.
Mozambique has experienced escalating violence in the wake of contested elections held on October 9, 2024. Following these elections, widespread protests broke out, leading to a brutal crackdown by security forces. Amnesty International has reported that police forces have killed numerous protesters while injuring many more, alongside mass arrests. This alarming trend has prompted regional bodies like the SADC to convene an extraordinary summit to address the crisis, as the international community watches closely. The growing humanitarian concerns have similarly attracted the attention of the African Union, which is expected to call for investigations into the human rights violations committed in Mozambique.
In conclusion, the violence in Mozambique has prompted a strong response from human rights organizations calling for accountability and action from regional authorities. As the death toll rises and protests intensify, it is critical that the SADC and the African Union prioritize human rights in their discussions and actions. The urgent need for a response to the crisis cannot be overstated, and both organizations must take decisive steps to condemn the ongoing violations and support the rights of peaceful protesters. The international community’s engagement will also play a key role in addressing this alarming situation.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
