Mozambique Police Use Lethal Force at Opposition Parade, Injuring Many

On March 5, 2025, Mozambique police fired on a peaceful opposition parade, injuring at least 16 individuals, including two children. The incident occurred during a political event excluding opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. Human Rights Watch condemned the police’s violent approach, advocating for thorough investigations and reforms in law enforcement practices to prevent further human rights violations.

On March 5, 2025, Mozambique police opened fire on a peaceful opposition parade in Maputo, injuring a minimum of 16 individuals, including two minors, according to Human Rights Watch. This event was led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, where hundreds participated in celebrations before the violent altercation occurred.

The parade commenced without issues, moving approximately three kilometers with the presence of police forces throughout the city in anticipation of a political agreement signing ceremony. This agreement involved President Daniel Chapo and various political factions, notably excluding Mondlane, and aimed to initiate a two-year dialogue for reforms addressing the ongoing post-electoral crisis in Mozambique.

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, condemned the police’s actions, stating that their lethal force exemplifies a disturbing neglect for human life and legal standards. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the unprovoked attack on political opponents and accountability for those responsible.

Mozambique has witnessed escalating protests since October 2024 as citizens contest recent election outcomes and confront rising living costs and various social issues. The security forces have been implicated in egregious human rights violations, including the unlawful killings of over 300 individuals.

On March 5, at around 1 p.m., Mondlane’s convoy approached a Police Rapid Intervention Unit vehicle. Witnesses reported that police unexpectedly fired tear gas and live rounds into the crowd, causing mass panic and forcing participants to flee. Eyewitness accounts indicated a rapid transformation from festivities to chaos.

Reports of severe injuries linked directly to the gunfire and tear gas were noted by local advocacy group Plataforma Decide, with many attendees suffering from gas inhalation. In response to inquiries from Human Rights Watch, police spokesperson Leonel Muchina claimed that tear gas was employed to manage disruptions; however, the timing of the political agreement signing ceremony, scheduled for later that day, raises questions regarding this justification.

The police’s lack of awareness regarding the use of live ammunition was reported by Muchina, who mentioned that there would be an investigation into the injuries incurred during the unrest. Meanwhile, Mateus Saize, Mozambique’s newly appointed minister of justice, criticized the police’s frequent recourse to live fire in crowd control and advocated for less-lethal alternatives to prevent further violence.

International standards dictate that the use of force by law enforcement should be strictly regulated, with emphasis placed on minimizing harm. The UN’s stance specifies that firearms should not be employed solely for dispersing assemblies, and nonviolent measures should precede any use of force.

Budoo-Scholtz emphasized the importance of not only promoting the use of less-lethal methods by police but also implementing security reforms to prevent future incidents of police brutality, while ensuring affected individuals receive adequate remedies for their suffering.

The violent police response to a peaceful opposition parade in Mozambique underscores significant human rights concerns. This incident reflects a troubling pattern of excessive force employed by law enforcement during civil demonstrations, indicating a pressing need for reform and accountability. Urgent actions are required to protect citizens’ rights and ensure just redress for those harmed by police actions.

Original Source: www.hrw.org