Mozambique Elections: All in order for repeat election, claim Nacala officials - AIM
DW / MDM leader Daviz Simango
The President of Democratic Movement of Mozambique Daviz Simango maintains that Mozambique has violated human rights and that political machinations are hindering the investigation of alleged mass graves.
In recent weeks, bodies found abandoned in central Mozambique and allegations of the existence of a mass grave with more than a hundred corpses prompted the High Commissioner of the United Nations to request clarification from the Mozambican authorities.
The Attorney General’s Office, which responded to the case, said yesterday that no mass grave had been found but said it would continue to investigate.
In an interview with DW Africa the MDM leader spoke about factors hindering the investigation. Simango believes that what is happening in the country is of the utmost concern and that Mozambique risks being labelled as a country that violates human rights.
DW Africa: In your opinion what needs to be done to investigate these cases?
Daviz Simango (DS): In the midst of all this there is the fear of the country being reported as unaccountable in terms of human rights, and this explains why the Mozambican authorities are reluctant to collaborate with those who have reported discovering bodies buried in mass graves or simply dumped in an unacceptable manner.
What is happening is that, in terms of both Manica and Sofala provinces, there are reports and confirmation by residents that have been seen bodies. Now it is up to the government of Mozambique to allow the free movement of persons so that researchers and authorities can investigate.
In the case of our Attorney General, it is known how high-level positions are secured. They are appointed by the head of state, are loyal to him, and it is difficult for these people to countenance anything that goes against the will of the rulers.
DW Africa: Will an international investigation be necessary, in your opinion, to ensure that an impartial investigation is carried out?
DS: I think that any type of investigation that will clarify matters and reassure people is essential. So I see no obstacle to any international, independent investigation.
Now, there is a parliamentary committee undertaking this task, but of course when they get to the site these representatives will be guided by government authorities, which means that they will simply go where they’re taken.
Our position is that there are in fact bodies, scattered corpses, and this is bad for a country like ours, which is starting down the path of a country that violates human rights. We understand that the dead have the right to the dignity of a decent funeral.
DW Africa: What role has the National Commission on Human Rights, established by the Mozambican presidency, had so far, if any?
DS: From what I can see, it has not so far budged an inch. And why not? Because they are bound, and that means they have commitments. They should be the first on the ground, should be the first to react, and not trail behind waiting for the government to take its position.
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