Mozambique Police Open Fire on Peaceful Opposition Parade, Causing Injuries
Mozambique police opened fire on an opposition parade on March 5, 2025, injuring 16, including children. The event, led by Venancio Mondlane, turned violent despite being peaceful. Human Rights organizations condemned the police’s actions, demanding accountability and reform. The incident reflects ongoing protests over electoral disputes and human rights abuses in Mozambique, highlighting pressing calls for security force reform.
On March 5, 2025, Mozambican police opened fire on a peaceful opposition parade in Maputo, wounding at least 16 individuals, including two children, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The event, led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, involved hundreds of participants celebrating joyfully before the assault occurred. The parade proceeded peacefully for approximately three kilometers before police deployment ahead of a political agreement caused a violent outbreak.
The political agreement, aimed at initiating a two-year dialogue to facilitate reforms and address the country’s post-electoral crisis, notably excluded Mondlane. Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz of Human Rights Watch condemned the police’s lethal response, stating that it demonstrated a troubling disregard for human life and legal standards. “The authorities need to promptly and thoroughly investigate this unprovoked attack on the political opposition and hold those responsible to account,” Budoo-Scholtz declared.
The incident arose amid a backdrop of widespread protests in Mozambique, spurred by unrest over the 2024 election results and escalating living costs. Reports indicate that security forces have been involved in severe human rights violations, contributing to over 300 unlawful killings since October 2024. Witness accounts highlight a swift transformation of the atmosphere from festivity to chaos as police reacted aggressively to the parade.
At approximately 1 p.m. near the Hulene Expresso interchange, Mondlane’s convoy encountered an armored vehicle from the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit. Eyewitnesses detailed how officers unexpectedly deployed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the gathering. A local shop owner characterized the moment as shifting from a celebratory atmosphere to a war zone within moments, while another witness recounted the startling moment gunfire erupted amid the parade.
Leonel Muchina, a police spokesperson, justified the use of tear gas by alleging that the convoy had disrupted traffic and posed a threat to the upcoming political agreement signing ceremony. However, the event was not scheduled until three hours later, raising questions regarding the police’s assessment of the situation. After the incident, Muchina expressed unawareness of the use of live ammunition, indicating an ongoing investigation into injuries that occurred during the chaos.
On March 9, the newly appointed Minister of Justice emphasized concerns regarding the frequent use of live ammunition by police to manage protests, advocating for less-lethal alternatives like rubber bullets. This call aligns with international standards, stipulating that law enforcement must utilize minimal force and avoid lethal weapons in such scenarios. The UN’s principles state that firearms should not be used simply to disperse gatherings, while tear gas should only be employed in circumstances that necessitate it to prevent harm.
Budoo-Scholtz further urged Mozambican authorities to reform security forces rather than merely promoting the use of less-lethal methods. She emphasized the need for accountability for those affected by police violence, advocating for immediate and comprehensive reparation for victims of brutality.
The violent incident involving Mozambican police firing on a peaceful opposition parade underscores serious human rights concerns and the urgent need for reform within the country’s security forces. Eyewitness accounts and statements from Human Rights Watch reflect a disturbing pattern of excessive force employed against demonstrators, demanding accountability and a commitment to protecting civil liberties. As Mozambique navigates contentious political waters, reforming law enforcement practices remains paramount to fostering a safer and more democratic environment for all citizens.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
