Rights group Amnesty International has called on Mozambican authorities to disclose the findings of any investigation into the incident in which activist Inocêncio Manhique was injured by the police two years ago.
Manhique lost his eye on 18 March 2023 after being struck by a rubber bullet fired by security forces during a peaceful protest in Maputo.
The protest, held in tribute to the late rapper and government critic Azagaia, was marred by what Amnesty International described as “reckless” and “unlawful” policing tactics.
Teargas was deployed against demonstrators and arbitrary arrests were reported.
According to Manhique’s lawyer, the activist was fleeing teargas when he was struck in the eye.
Despite initial assurances from authorities that the case would be investigated, no public report has been released and it remains unclear whether those responsible have been held accountable.
Manhique has not received compensation for his injury.
Amnesty International on Tuesday has criticised the lack of progress, with Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, stating, “Manhique’s case is emblematic of the impunity that security forces enjoy in Mozambique.”
“Authorities must ensure justice for Inocêncio Manhique by disclosing the results of any investigation they may have conducted into his case,” Farisè said.
“They must also ensure that investigations into all reports of human rights violations committed during the ongoing post-election crackdown are prompt, transparent, independent and impartial.”
The organisation has also highlighted a broader pattern of violent suppression of peaceful assemblies, with over 300 reported deaths in post-election crackdowns since October 2024.
JN/APA