UN Experts Urge Mozambique to Address Post-Election Violence and Rights Violations

UN rights experts have called on Mozambique to end violence and repression following the disputed October 9 elections that led to fatal protests. Allegations of electoral fraud surrounded the ruling Frelimo party’s victory, prompting excessive government response against demonstrators. Calls for investigation into unlawful killings and protection of human rights have been made as the situation evolves.

The United Nations’ independent human rights experts have urged the government of Mozambique to take immediate action to halt the violence and repression following the contentious general elections held on October 9. Since the elections, which witnessed the ruling Frelimo party’s controversial victory amid allegations of electoral fraud, the nation has experienced weeks of violent protests, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries among demonstrators. Reports indicate that security forces deployed excessive measures, such as military intervention, against peaceful protestors, leading to at least 30 deaths, including that of a child, and over 200 injuries. In response to these developments, the rights experts have condemned the violations against the right to life and have called for thorough investigations into the unlawful killings and the treatment of protesters. They emphasized the necessity of establishing an environment where all citizens, particularly marginalized groups, can freely engage in political discourse without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, they highlighted concerns regarding media freedom, including harassment and intimidation of journalists, and restrictions on communication channels such as sudden internet blackouts. The experts reiterated the obligation of law enforcement agencies to protect the right to peaceful assembly and to ensure the safety and security of all participants in protests. They urged the Mozambican authorities to facilitate open channels of information and to refrain from disrupting internet access. The independent experts affirmed their ongoing dialogue with Mozambican authorities and their commitment to monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the potential long-lasting implications of electoral violence on the nation’s democratic integrity.

Mozambique has experienced a tumultuous political landscape since the ruling party, Frelimo, gained independence in 1975. The recent elections held on October 9 have ignited public outcry due to allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. In response, citizens launched protests; however, the government’s response has been met with severe backlash. The involvement of security forces has escalated tensions and raised significant concerns among human rights experts about the safeguarding of fundamental rights in the country.

In conclusion, the escalating violence and repression in Mozambique following the recent elections underscore a pressing need for governmental intervention to protect human rights. The UN experts’ call to action reflects a broader concern for the state of democracy in Mozambique. To restore public trust and facilitate peaceful political engagement, the authorities must investigate allegations of electoral fraud and ensure the safety of protesters while upholding media freedoms.

Original Source: news.un.org