Mozambican activist files criminal complaint against former minister and former commander

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Mozambican activist files criminal complaint against former minister and former commander

11:03 CAT | 14 Mar 2025

File photo: Wilker Dias Facebook

Social activist Wilker Dias, director of the Decide Platform, has filed a criminal complaint against the former police chief and the former interior minister of Mozambique, holding them responsible for the deaths in the post-election protests.

“We filed a criminal complaint with the Attorney General’s Office against the former police chief Bernardino Rafael, and against the former interior minister Pascoal Ronda, on account of the deaths that occurred in the demonstrations,” Wilker Dias told Lusa, who was heard today by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Maputo about the case.

According to the representative, the process aims to hold the criminal accountable, in addition to compensation for the families of the victims of the demonstrations.

“We were interviewed by the deputy attorney general of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and she listened to our concerns about the process. We also received [information] (…) about the process itself, which is proceeding in the best possible way,” explained the director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) that monitored the electoral process in the country.

Dias also said that, at this moment, “some statements are being collected” and more information about the process is expected in the coming days. Mozambique has been experiencing a climate of violent social unrest since October, with demonstrations and strikes called initially by former presidential candidate Venâncio
Mondlane, who rejects the election results of October 9, which gave victory to Daniel Chapo.

Protests contesting the election results, and now also complaining about the rising cost of living and other social problems, are still taking place in various parts of the country, although on a smaller scale.

According to the Decide Platform, at least 353 people have died in protests since last October, including around two dozen minors.

Government figures confirm at least 80 deaths during the demonstrations, in addition to the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health units

Source: Lusa