Amnesty International Calls for Respecting Peaceful Assembly Rights in Mozambique Amid Election Turmoil

Amnesty International condemned the shooting of opposition supporters by police during a peaceful rally in Nampula, Mozambique, following disputed election results. Khanyo Farise stressed the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly. Mondlane’s supporters have protested against the Frelimo party’s alleged electoral misconduct, leading to a call for a national strike on October 21.

In response to the violent actions of police against supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane during a peaceful rally in Mozambique’s Nampula city, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation. Reports indicate that law enforcement opened fire on the crowd, resulting in injuries to at least one individual, and also detained Mondlane’s supporters amid claims of election irregularities. Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized that police must uphold the right to peaceful assembly regardless of the electoral outcomes. The violence occurred on October 16, 2023, when police shot at a gathering celebrating Mondlane’s arrival in opposition strongholds, leading to protests among his supporters following the partial election results that favor the ruling Frelimo party. In a wider context of unrest, prior incidents of police violence on October 10 impacted polling stations, underscoring ongoing tensions surrounding the disputed elections. Mondlane has since called for a nationwide strike scheduled for October 21 to protest alleged electoral irregularities.

On October 16, 2023, during a public rally in Nampula city, Mozambique, police fired at supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in at least one reported injury. This rally followed the national elections held on October 9, where preliminary results indicated that the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was leading in Nampula and beyond. Supporters of Mondlane, who represents the PODEMOS party, began protesting on October 12, claiming discrepancies in the electoral process. They faced heightened police aggression, which included the arrest of David Calisto Bandeira, an influential musician accused of inciting violence through his music in favor of the opposition. The overall political climate in Mozambique has become increasingly fraught, with allegations of electoral misconduct prompting Mondlane to call for a national strike.

The recent violence against peaceful political rallies in Mozambique highlights a significant violation of human rights amid a controversial electoral process. As police actions have sparked protests and led to injuries and arrests, there are increasing calls for governmental accountability regarding the right to peaceful assembly. Amnesty International has reiterated the importance of safeguarding these rights regardless of political affiliations, a sentiment echoed by opposition leaders amidst a backdrop of rising tensions in Mozambique’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org