MOZAMBIQUE: AUTHORITIES MUST INVESTIGATE POLICE VIOLENCE AGAINST PEACEFUL PROTESTERS.

Responding to the ongoing unlawful use of force by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) to suppress peaceful protests that followed municipal elections across Mozambique on 11 October, including the killing of a 16-year-old boy in Chiúre municipality, Cabo Delgado province, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said:

“The police’s unlawful and unnecessary use of force against peaceful protesters is a violation of international human rights law and is not in compliance with regional and international human rights standards on the use of force. The actions we have documented, including the unnecessary use of tear gas and the firing of live ammunition, are a continuation of a disturbing pattern of reckless and unlawful tactics used by Mozambique’s police against protesters.

The police’s unlawful and unnecessary use of force against peaceful protesters is a violation of international human rights law and is not in compliance with regional and international human rights standards on the use of force.

Tigere Chagutah, Regional Director, Amnesty International, East and Southern Africa

“It is clear that the police’s intention here was to create an environment of intimidation to discourage anyone who may try to exercise their right to peacefully protest against the state authorities.

“The authorities must immediately open a thorough and impartial investigation into the officers who shot and killed a 16-year-old boy in Chiúre and injured two protesters in Nampula and Gurúe, as well as all other incidents of unlawful use of force, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials.”

The authorities must immediately open a thorough and impartial investigation into the officers who shot and killed a 16-year-old boy in Chiúre and injured two protesters in Nampula and Gurúe, as well as all other incidents of unlawful use of force, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials.

Tigere Chagutah

Amnesty International is also calling for the immediate release of supporters of the opposition Renamo party, hundreds of whom have been arbitrarily detained for taking part in the protests.

Background

On 11 October 2023, Mozambique held municipal elections in 65 municipalities. Following peaceful protests and celebrations of unconfirmed victories by members and supporters from the main opposition party, Renamo, police responded violently, targeting opposition strongholds.

Police in Mozambique regularly use excessive and unnecessary force to kill, injure and detain protesters. In 2023 alone, police have already suppressed at least three peaceful protests and arbitrarily detained at least 29 people for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. On 25 January, the riot police (UIR) and the canine police impeded a march of 130 staff from the Namaacha municipality, in Maputo province, who intended to protest a five-month delay in the payment of salaries. On 18 March, the PRM launched tear gas against hundreds of citizens from Maputo and Beira cities who were gathered to honour Edson da Luz (Azagaia), a vocal rapper, who died on 9 March 2023. A young man, Inocêncio Manhique, lost an eye, a woman, Belarmina, died, and dozens of citizens were injured. 22 people were arrested in both cities.  On 14 August, the PRM blocked the path of an open truck carrying supporters of the Renamo’s mayoral candidate for the Vilanculo municipality, in Inhambane province, Joaquim Quinito Vilanculo. Renamo supporters had intended to present their candidate to the public. On 20 July, the National Service for Criminal Investigation (SERNIC) arrested Macassar Bacar (Cebolinha), in Malhangalene neighbourhood, Maputo city. Cebolinha was taken to the 3rd Police Station. On 21 July, he was found dead at the police station. On 06 August, SERNIC arrested Armando Munhequeia (Doppaz), a musician, on the grounds of incitement to violence and defamation of the President of the Republic and his family. Doppaz was detained for five days before being released on bail.