Amnesty International has urged SADC to take a strong stand against police violence and the suppression of protests in Mozambique following recent elections. With escalating violence leading to several deaths and injuries, there is a pressing need for accountability from local authorities and support for human rights. Upcoming discussions at the SADC summit are crucial for addressing these issues.
In response to escalating violence and human rights abuses following the recent elections in Mozambique, Khanyo Farisè, Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the urgent need for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take a decisive position against police killings and the suppression of peaceful assembly. He pointed out that the situation worsens daily, with rising casualties among protesters and the slow reaction from SADC seemingly reinforcing these violations.
Farisè criticized SADC’s lethargy in addressing the crisis, insisting that the upcoming summit in Harare should prioritize human rights and accountability, particularly regarding the actions of Mozambican police forces. He called on the African Union to intensify efforts to hold Mozambique’s authorities accountable for egregious human rights violations, urging investigations by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to be conducted immediately.
The recent wave of protests in Mozambique, triggered by disputed elections conducted on October 9th, has led to significant state repression. Protesters have faced lethal force from police, with civil society groups documenting numerous deaths and injuries, along with widespread arbitrary arrests. In a worrisome escalation, the military was also deployed to quell dissent, further aggravating the crisis.
Mozambique is currently facing an alarming human rights crisis following recently contested elections that have sparked widespread protests. The SADC announced an exceptional summit to be held from November 16 to 20 to address these issues, particularly the ongoing violence against peaceful protesters. There is a growing demand for an adequate response from regional bodies as local authorities intensify their crackdown on dissenters amidst civil unrest.
The ongoing human rights violations in Mozambique highlight a critical need for immediate action from regional and continental bodies, especially the SADC and the African Union. The call for accountability and support for peaceful assembly rights is imperative to prevent further atrocities. As the situation unfolds, it is essential for these organizations to take a clear and forceful stance to protect the rights of Mozambican citizens.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
