Mozambique: UN condemns heavy-handed police repression of protestors

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: UN condemns heavy-handed police repression of protestors

8:29 CAT | 14 Jan 2025

FILE - Maputo, 13 Janaury 2025. [File photo: Luisa Nantumbo/Lusa]

The UN on Tuesday urged Mozambique’s security forces to refrain from the “unnecessary or disproportionate use of force” in the demonstrations ahead of Daniel Chapo’s inauguration as president, deploring the deaths that have already been recorded.

In a statement released today by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, spokesperson Seif Magango expressed “deep concern” about “the continuing post-election tensions in Mozambique, continuing post-election tensions in Mozambique, where dozens have been killed and many more injured since 9 October last year”.

“With further demonstrations announced ahead of the presidential inauguration on 15 January, it is critical that freedom of peaceful assembly is upheld and facilitated, and that the security forces refrain from further unnecessary or disproportionate use of force,” states the UN Human Rights spokesperson.

The United Nations also urges the Mozambican authorities to “ensure all violations and abuses of human rights are effectively and independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice.”, adding that “victims must also be provided with effective reparations and remedies”.

” We remain ready to support Mozambique to advance respect and protection of human rights, including by ensuring accountability for election-related violations and abuses. Human rights are key to creating sustainable solutions, addressing injustices, and tackling the root causes of conflicts and are the foundation for sustainable development, peace, and security” the statement concludes.

Mozambique held general elections – presidential, legislative and provincial assembly – on 9 October, with the Constitutional Council, the final court of appeal in electoral disputes, proclaiming Daniel Chapo, the candidate supported by Frelimo, as the winner with 65.17% of the votes. Still, his victory is being contested by candidate Venâncio Mondlane.

Since 21 October last year, Mozambique has experienced successive stoppages and demonstrations called by Mondlane, and clashes between the police and demonstrators have led to around 300 deaths, and more than 600 people have been shot dead, according to civil society organisations monitoring the process.

Daniel Chapo’s inauguration will take place on Wednesday, with Portugal represented by the foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, after ruling out the possibility of the country being represented by the head of state, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Source: Lusa