Mozambican security forces have come under heavy scrutiny following alarming reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) indicating the tragic deaths of at least ten children amid intense protests after the recent elections. These violent outbreaks unfolded across the nation post-election, leading to not only fatalities but also dozens of injuries among minors.
The unrest erupted after the announcement of the election results, which the opposition vehemently disputed. Protests initially began peacefully but quickly turned chaotic as security forces resorted to using forceful measures, including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse crowds. Witnesses reported moments of horror as children were caught up in the crossfire, forced to flee for their lives, often amid thick clouds of tear gas and sirens blaring.
On October 24, the violence escalated sharply as political affiliations were challenged, primarily between supporters of the ruling party and those backing independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. The tension reached its peak after Mondlane, representing the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique, claimed victory the day after election day, directly contradicting the official narrative asserted by the ruling Frelimo party. The government, defending its stance through the Interior Minister, accused Mondlane of inciting chaos, asserting, "This could end up degenerative acts of vandalism and violence."
Evidence gathered by HRW paints a bleak picture: children were caught unawares during protests, tragically losing their lives. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes when, on November 4, one 13-year-old girl was tragically shot and killed as she walked home from school. Unbeknownst to her, the streets had turned chaotic just moments before she stepped out of class. The security forces' response was criticized as excessive and unwarranted, especially considering children were active participants or mere bystanders during the demonstrations.
Many parents, swayed by promises of safety from local authorities, sent their children to school during the tumultuous protests. One mother recounted the horrific moment she lost her son, stating: "We tried to run away, but there was no place to go or hide. A bullet hit my son in the stomach, and the panic was all-consuming. We barely made it out alive. How could they allow this to happen?"
There have been reports of arbitrary detentions where minors were held without proper notification to their families—a blatant violation of international human rights laws. Escalated by the violence, it is estimated over 2,700 individuals were detained, many of whom were minors caught up during chaotic clashes with law enforcement. This situation has sparked outrage among human rights advocates who argue for the immediate release of these children.
Allan Ngari, the Africa Advocacy Director at HRW, emphasized the need for accountability: “The Mozambican security forces must halt their aggressive tactics against peaceful protesters, especially minors and other vulnerable populations.” He called for concerned governments and international bodies to intervene directly to protect children's rights within Mozambique, citing international conventions like the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Efforts to quell the fires of unrest have proven fruitless, with schools shuttered and businesses forced to shutter their doors as widespread protests continue to gain momentum. The government’s attempts to assure parents of school safety were undermined by the growing violence, leaving families anxious about the wellbeing of their children.
Human Rights Watch highlighted various incidents of violence perpetuated against children, detailing how security forces used tear gas within school premises, leading to desperate scrambles for safety. One video circulating on social media depicted children, clad in uniform, fleeing their school, terrified and gasping for air amid smoke filled hallways. It is distressing not only for the individuals directly affected, but for the larger community still reeling from these events.
Monitoring organizations reiterate the urgency of reestablishing safety protocols amid uproar, advocating for calm and resolution without compromising the rights of children. The African Charter on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child both stress the importance of children having safe spaces to express themselves and assemble peacefully—a principle evidently under threat during the unrest.
The Mozambican government continues to face international pressure to curtail violence and protect its youngest citizens, with protests showing no signs of abatement. The calls for justice echo throughout the country, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and change.
“Concerned governments must urge the Mozambique leadership to stop these human rights violations, especially those targeting children,” said Ngari. “The violence needs to end, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
