Mozambique Elections: Amnesty International demands investigation into “excessive use of force”

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Mozambique Elections: Amnesty International demands investigation into “excessive use of force”

9:37 CAT | 24 Nov 2023

File photo: Reuters

The human rights NGO, Amnesty International (AI), demanded on Thursday an investigation by the authorities into the “excessive use of force” by the Mozambican police (PRM), which caused at least five deaths in the context of marches carried out by Renamo, the largest opposition party in the country, in protest against the preliminary results of the Municipal Elections held on October 11.

According to Tigere Chagutah, AI’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, cited in a statement, “the use of excessive force by the police of the Republic of Mozambique, which resulted in deaths, serious injuries and arbitrary detention of demonstrators and bystanders, is a clear violation of the country’s constitution and international human rights obligations.”

The Mozambican police, the organization says, “used excessive and lethal force, including firing live ammunition and tear gas, against thousands of peaceful demonstrators and passers-by in several Mozambican localities, following the October municipal elections, causing the death of at least five civilians, including three children, and 27 injured so far.”

In order to clarify the case, Chagutah suggests that the authorities “must conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigations into the various allegations in question, including the case of the officers who shot and killed demonstrators, including minors, as well as all other incidents of excessive use of force.”

“The announcement of Frelimo’s victory intensified the unrest, which began on October 12, when the first results were presented by STAE (Electoral Administration Technical Secretariat)”, AI said, stressing that over the following days, “thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the cities of Maputo, Matola, Vilanculos, Quelimane, Gurué, Nampula, Nacala, Angoche, Cuamba and Chiúre.”

The organization calls for “immediate release of all people detained solely for taking part in peaceful protests, including Renamo supporters and members.”

Source: AIM