Amnesty International Urges SADC to Act Against Police Violence in Mozambique

Amnesty International has called on the SADC to address escalating police killings and violations against peaceful protesters in Mozambique following recent unrest. The organization emphasizes the urgency for SADC to prioritize human rights at its upcoming summit, amidst reports of significant casualties and repression after disputed elections in October 2024.

In response to the alarming rise in police killings and violence against peaceful protesters in Mozambique, Amnesty International has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene decisively. Following protests in Nampula on November 13, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, Khanyo Farisè, the Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the need for SADC to take a strong stance on human rights abuses. She urged the regional bloc to prioritize discussions on accountability and human rights during its upcoming summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The situation in Mozambique has deteriorated following disputed elections on October 9, with security forces reportedly killing dozens and injuring over one hundred peaceful demonstrators. Civil society organizations indicate that thousands have been arbitrarily arrested as the government has intensified crackdowns on dissent. Farisè remarked that the SADC’s response has been disappointingly slow, urging for immediate action against ongoing human rights violations.

As protests continue against allegations of electoral fraud and police brutality, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has organized multiple protest phases targeting major provincial capitals and border crossings. Authorities have responded to these demonstrations with heightened military presence, which had led to reprisals against suspected police members by demonstrators, further escalating tensions in the region.

The recent turmoil in Mozambique has arisen from controversial electoral outcomes, culminating in widespread protests across the nation. The political environment has shifted dramatically since the elections on October 9, 2024, leading to significant unrest. Authorities have employed violent measures to suppress dissent, including the deployment of military forces and numerous reported incidents of police killings. Civil society groups have raised concerns over the alarming number of casualties, injuries, and arbitrary detentions that have emerged in the wake of these protests. The SADC’s forthcoming summit provides a critical platform for addressing the ongoing crisis and supporting human rights in the country.

The alarming increase in police violence and the repression of protests in Mozambique necessitates urgent action from both the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. The call for accountability and human rights must be at the forefront of discussions at the upcoming SADC summit. As Mozambique continues to grapple with civil unrest and human rights violations, the international community’s engagement is vital for fostering stability and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org