APA-Maputo (Mozambique) Rights group Amnesty International on Thursday called on the Mozambican government to investigate the use of lethal force by the police during protests that followed last month’s disputed local government polls.
The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) is alleged to have used live ammunition and teargas in response to widespread unrest that broke out on October 12 when opposition supporters claimed they had been robbed in local elections that saw the governing Frelimo party winning 64 of the 65 contested municipalities.
The PRM’s response left at least five civilians dead – including three children – and a further 27 injured, according to Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah.
“The use of excessive force by the PRM, which resulted in deaths, serious injuries and the arbitrary detention of protesters and bystanders, amounts to clear violations of the country’s Constitution and international human rights obligations,” Chagutah said.
He called on Mozambican authorities to comply with international standards governing the conduct of law enforcement officials and the use of force and firearms.
“They must also conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigations into these allegations, including the case of the officers who shot and killed protesters, including minors, as well as all other incidents of excessive use of force, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials,” he added.
Thousands of Renamo supporters took to the street of Maputo, Matola, Vilanculos, Quelimane, Gurué, Nampula, Nacala, Angoche, Cuamba and Chiúre on October 12 when initial results were displayed by the technical electoral body, STAE showing a landslide victory for Frelimo.
The protests intensified on October 26 when the Mozambican Electoral Commission (CNE) released final results showing that Frelimo was victorious in all but one municipality.
Contrary to expectations, the main opposition party, Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), lost everywhere, with the Democratic Movement for Mozambique winning the remaining municipality, Beira in Sofala province.
The police violently dispersed protesters and bystanders, including killing, injuring and detaining them, according to Amnesty International.
Chagutah called for the “immediate release of all those detained solely for taking part in peaceful protests.”
JN/APA