Amnesty International Urges Respect for Peaceful Assembly in Mozambique Amid Election Turmoil
Amnesty International has condemned the Mozambican police’s use of live ammunition against peaceful opposition rallies, stressing the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly. The call to action was prompted by recent violence in Nampula, where police shot at supporters of Venâncio Mondlane, and arrested a prominent musician. The situation is exacerbated by allegations of electoral irregularities and ongoing protests against the ruling party.
Amnesty International has expressed grave concerns following incidents in Nampula, Mozambique, where police shot at supporters of opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane during a rally. This event occurred amid ongoing disputes related to the national elections. Khanyo Farise, the Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that the authorities must uphold the right to peaceful assembly regardless of electoral outcomes. He condemned the shooting of live ammunition at a peaceful rally and the arbitrary detention of opposition supporters as serious infringements on both Mozambican and international human rights law. The distressing incident highlights systemic issues within the Mozambican police force, who are charged with ensuring public safety, particularly during politically charged events. On October 16, the police notably wounded at least one individual while attempting to disperse the crowd welcoming Mondlane back to Nampula, a stronghold for his opposition party. Furthermore, the authorities detained David Calisto Bandeira, a musician and ardent supporter of the PODEMOS party, citing accusations of inciting violence through his performance of pro-PODEMOS songs. Rallies supporting Mondlane and PODEMOS commenced on October 12, in response to early election results revealing a lead for the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo. This unrest was further fueled by reports of police violence following the elections on October 10, which included shootings at polling stations that left two individuals injured. In light of alleged irregularities during the electoral process, Mondlane has since proclaimed a nationwide strike set for October 21.
The political landscape in Mozambique is tension-filled as the recent national elections have led to disputed results. Police activities have come under scrutiny, particularly their response to opposition rallies, which have involved the use of live ammunition and the unwarranted detention of political activists. The incidents in Nampula are emblematic of broader concerns regarding the freedom of assembly and expression within the country, particularly for opposition groups. The public’s reaction has been a series of protests that highlight the significant dissatisfaction with the electoral process and the ruling party’s practices.
In conclusion, the recent actions taken by the Mozambican police against supporters of opposition parties during political rallies exemplify a troubling disregard for human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to peaceful assembly. Organizations like Amnesty International are calling for urgent action to ensure the protection of dissenting voices amidst these elections. The need for accountability and protection of citizens’ rights is paramount as the nation navigates its electoral future.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
