Recent events following Mozambique's October 9, 2024 elections have plunged the country deep within turmoil, resulting in widespread violence and repression. Human rights experts from the United Nations have sharply condemned the government's actions, calling on the Mozambican authorities to restore peace and respect the rights of citizens.
The elections, which saw the ruling Frelimo party claim another victory, sparked immediate protests as many citizens questioned the integrity of the electoral process. Almost 56% of the 17 million eligible voters abstained, reflecting widespread discontent, particularly among young people who were supportive of independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. These protests have tragically turned deadly, with reports indicating at least 30 fatalities and over 200 injuries.
UN experts articulated deep concerns over tactical police violence, including excessive use of force to disperse peaceful demonstrators. They emphasized the disturbing trend of enforced disappearances and the need for thorough investigations and accountability for unlawful killings. "The violations of the right to life, including of children, and deliberate killings of unarmed protesters, are very disturbing," stated the experts, urging the Mozambican government to take immediate and impartial actions.
Authorities clamped down on media freedom, prompting numerous reports of harassment against journalists and human rights defenders. Restrictions on communications, including repeated internet shutdowns coinciding with protests, have left many citizens disconnected and obstructed their right to information. A coalition advocating for internet freedom has criticized these shutdowns, labelling them as unjust and harmful.
Digital rights groups reported at least five instances of mobile internet services being disrupted, and only fragments of social media accessibility were available during peak protest days. Despite the government claiming these actions aim to preserve national stability, it has caused frustration among countless businesses reliant on internet connectivity for operations, like Uber driver Rofino Fiel, who reported losing substantial income due to the blackouts.
The intertwined situations of internet restrictions, police brutality, and human rights violations have prompted international outcries. Amnesty International has voiced its condemnation of the government's violent and sweeping crackdown on protests, calling it the worst suppression of civic dissent witnessed for years. Meanwhile, regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been criticized for their slow and inadequate reaction to the crisis, even though they are set to meet soon to discuss the situation.
Another case of repression was witnessed when journalists from the Nigerian outlet News Central went missing amid police actions during protest coverage. Local and international observers alike have criticized the increasing pattern of targeting media personnel, which threatens the integrity of journalism and the freedom of the press.
Activists like Edson Chiado voiced concerns on the detrimental impact of policing tactics on regular citizens and businesses. While recommended measures for restoring order have included safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, the prevailing chaos leads many to contemplate dire consequences if the situation persists. "Everything is paralyzed," noted Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, emblematic of how unrest impacts not only Mozambique but its neighboring countries reliant on it for commerce.
Tensions are palpable, leading many citizens to fear what the future holds. Some have taken refuge by utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs) or searching for available public Wi-Fi to circumvent internet restrictions; yet these measures often fall short of providing adequate connectivity.
Throughout the tumultuous period, prominent figures such as Mondlane have called for new waves of protests, emphasizing the importance of civil involvement and refusing to remain silent against what they deem injustices. Observers treat these unrests not just as local issues but as indicative of broader regional instability, advocating for greater solidarity among citizens and urging the international community to act.
Post-election violence and repression have become synonymous with Mozambique's political narrative, as echoes of discontent reverberate through the streets amid cries for justice and equality. The hope lies with the resilience of citizens determined to reclaim their rights and restore democracy, as they face persistent oppression and uncertainty.
