Mozambique Election Violence Claims Lives of Children, HRW Reports

Human Rights Watch reports that Mozambique’s security forces killed at least 10 children following the contentious October elections, with significant unrest across the nation. The Frelimo party’s controversial victory has led to violent protests, unlawful detentions, and allegations of severe human rights abuses amid escalating tensions between the government and opposition.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Monday that security forces in Mozambique have allegedly killed at least 10 children and injured numerous others amid violent unrest following the October 9 general election. The ruling Frelimo party, which has maintained power since the nation’s independence, faced accusations of electoral misconduct from opposition groups, leading to widespread protests that the police have violently suppressed. Notably, HRW detailed a tragic incident involving a 13-year-old girl killed by a bullet during the chaos, among other documented cases of child fatalities.

The report further highlighted that hundreds of children have been unlawfully detained by police without parental notification, a breach of international human rights standards. President Filipe Nyusi, who is preparing to exit his position in January, denounced the unrest as an attempt to create disorder. According to his address, the official death toll stands at 19, while civil society organizations assert that over 67 lives have been lost in the turmoil, with around 2,000 individuals detained.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who claims to have won the election despite finishing second to Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, has been at the forefront of organizing the protests. While he has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the president, he stipulates conditions, including the virtual setting for talks and the cessation of legal actions against him. He remains in hiding, presumably to avoid potential arrest or harm as the situation continues to unfold.

The recent violence in Mozambique is largely attributed to reactions against the results of the October 9 elections, which were won by the incumbent Frelimo party. The elections have been highly controversial, with claims of misconduct from opposition parties. This unrest has led to mass protests across the nation, often met with severe police responses, resulting in fatalities and injuries, particularly among children. The political climate is tense, with calls for dialogue and reconciliation amidst escalating violence and security force actions that have drawn international concern.

The post-election violence in Mozambique has tragically resulted in the deaths of children and numerous injuries, highlighting severe abuses committed by security forces during protests. The government asserts a lower death toll, while civil society reports indicate a higher casualty count. As the political leaders engage in dialogue, concerns regarding human rights violations and the treatment of minors remain paramount, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com