On March 5, 2025, Mozambique police fired on a peaceful opposition parade, injuring at least 16 people. Human Rights Watch condemned the use of lethal force, while protests against rising living costs and election results have increased in the country. Witnesses reported a sudden escalation from celebration to chaos. Calls for police reform and accountability for violence are growing among officials and human rights organizations.
On March 5, 2025, police in Mozambique fired upon a peaceful opposition parade in Maputo, injuring at least 16 individuals, including two children, according to Human Rights Watch. This event was led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane and included hundreds of participants celebrating peacefully before the attack occurred. The parade, comprised of a convoy of six vehicles, had proceeded without incident for approximately three kilometers, despite the police presence due to a concurrent political agreement signing ceremony.
The agreement, brokered between President Daniel Chapo and various political factions, excluding Mondlane, aims to initiate a two-year dialogue to address reforms in response to ongoing post-electoral challenges. Human Rights Watch’s deputy Africa director, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, condemned the police’s actions, stating, “The Mozambican police’s use of lethal force against participants in a peaceful parade shows disturbing disregard for life and the law.” She called for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible.
Since October 2024, Mozambique has faced significant protests regarding the 2024 election results, rising living costs, and other social issues. The police have faced allegations of severe human rights abuses, resulting in over 300 unlawful killings. Witnesses described the violent transformation of the celebratory parade into chaos, with tear gas and live ammunition fired by the Police Rapid Intervention Unit without prior warning.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted a sudden escalation. One shop owner remarked, “things changed from a lively party to a war zone within seconds.” A participant recalled hearing gunshots and observing an officer armed with an AK-47 during the chaos. Subsequent visits to the scene reportedly revealed used tear gas canisters and bullet shells, corroborating the severity of the police response.
Despite a police spokesman’s assertion that they utilized tear gas due to traffic disruption, the events occurring near the time of the signing ceremony raise concerns. The planned conclusion of the convoy was at Combatants Square, situated four kilometers from the conference center where the political agreement was to be signed, scheduled for 3 p.m., after the incident occurred at 1 p.m.
Criticism of the police’s use of force has emerged from various officials, including Mozambique’s new justice minister, Mateus Saize, who called for prioritizing less-lethal methods to prevent loss of life. International guidelines mandate strict limitations on the use of lethal force by law enforcement, emphasizing that firearms should not be employed to disperse peaceful assemblies. It is expected that the Mozambican government should enforce necessary reforms in security protocol and ensure redress for victims of police violence.
In summary, the violent response of the Mozambique police to a peaceful opposition parade reflects a concerning disregard for human rights and the rule of law. International guidelines advocate for minimal and non-lethal responses from law enforcement during assembly policing. The government must address the police’s use of excessive force and implement reforms to safeguard citizen’s rights while ensuring accountability for those harmed by state violence.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
