Mozambique faces international outcry over deadly post-election crackdown

Mozambique is under increasing international scrutiny following revelations that over 300 people were killed during a violent government crackdown on post-election protests between October 2024 and January 2025.

A new Amnesty International report accuses the country’s security forces of unlawful killings,arbitrary arrests,and excessive force,calling the response ‘reckless and unnecessary.’ The protests erupted after the disputed 9 October election,where ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo was declared president amid widespread allegations of fraud. Demonstrators,largely backing independent candidate Venancio Mondlane,took to the streets after the assassination of Mondlane’s lawyer and a Podemos party official on 18 October. According to civil society group Plataforma DECIDE,315 people were killed and over 4,000 arrested during the three-month unrest. Amnesty’s investigation details the use of live ammunition and tear gas by police and military against largely peaceful protesters,including children and bystanders. The report also highlights social media blackouts and suppression of information.

Amnesty has urged President Chapo to publicly condemn the violence and initiate transparent investigations,warning that the abuses may violate international human rights laws,including rights to life,peaceful assembly,and freedom of expression. “Instead of listening to people’s grievances and allowing them to voice their concerns,the FRELIMO-led government unleashed a wave of violence on demonstrations,resulting in serious injuries,unlawful deaths and a slew of other human rights violations,said Khanyo Farise,Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa. While Chapo has pledged to investigate the deaths,skepticism remains high. The ruling FRELIMO party,in power since independence in 1975,has long faced accusations of election manipulation. As violence continues,including a recent shooting of one of Mondlane’s campaign organizers,concerns grow over Mozambique’s democratic future and justice for victims.