SADC Urged to Act Against Rising Police Brutality in Mozambique
Amnesty International demands the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in response to escalating police violence in Mozambique post-election protests. With the death of seven protesters since November 13, significant human rights violations are reported. Calls for accountability from both SADC and the African Union are intensifying amid the crisis.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) faces increasing criticism for its inaction regarding severe police violence in Mozambique following recent election unrest. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, condemned the killings of protesters, urging SADC to assertively denounce these human rights violations. On November 13, amid escalating turmoil, police reportedly killed seven individuals during protests in Nampula, exacerbating tensions following disputed elections held on October 9. Farisè emphasized the need for urgent intervention, which includes placing human rights and accountability at the forefront of discussions at SADC’s upcoming summit in Harare.
The ongoing crackdown by Mozambican authorities has resulted in numerous fatalities, numerous injuries, and thousands of arrests. Armed forces have been deployed to quell demonstrators, contributing significantly to civil unrest. The situation has prompted opposition leader Venancio Mondlane to organize multiple protest phases focused on claims of electoral fraud and law enforcement misconduct, indicating a dire state of democracy within the nation. Since the protests began from November 13 to November 15, violence has manifested, including reprisals against police personnel.
Furthermore, calls have been made for the African Union to heighten accountability measures and initiate investigations into human rights abuses unfolding in Mozambique. Despite SADC’s scheduled discussions on November 16-20 regarding the ongoing crisis, its prior response to the escalating violence has been described as painfully slow, leading activists to demand immediate action to address these serious human rights concerns.
In recent weeks, Mozambique has faced significant civil unrest following contested elections on October 9, 2024. Protests erupted due to allegations of electoral fraud, leading to a massive crackdown by police and military forces. Reports indicate the police have killed dozens, injured hundreds, and arrested thousands of protesters. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is under pressure to respond effectively as the situation deteriorates, raising concerns over the right to peaceful assembly and human rights violations in the country. As Mozambique approaches an extraordinary SADC summit scheduled from November 16 to 20 in Zimbabwe, the need for urgent international intervention and accountability has become increasingly critical.
In light of the escalating violence and human rights violations in Mozambique, it is imperative for the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to take decisive action. Amnesty International has urged for accountability and strong stances against police brutality and suppression of peaceful protests. As the nation grapples with unrest stemming from disputed elections, proactive measures by regional and international bodies are vital to safeguard democratic principles and ensure justice for victims of these violations.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
