Source: Amnesty International –
Mozambican security forces used reckless and unnecessary force in a widespread crackdown on protests following last October’s election, resulting in unlawful killings and devastating injuries, Amnesty International said in a new report.
The report, Protest under attack: Human rights violations during Mozambique’s post-2024 election crackdown, documents security forces firing lethal weapons, tear gas and kinetic impact projectiles (commonly known as “rubber bullets”) at protesters and bystanders, including children. Authorities also conducted mass arbitrary arrests and targeted journalists, including by intimidating them and confiscating their equipment, while internet access was restricted at key moments.
“The Mozambican security forces’ deadly crackdown was a shameful overreaction to post-election protests,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “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.”
“If President Daniel Chapo’s new government wants to turn the page, it must ensure thorough and transparent investigations into all allegations of human rights violations committed during the crackdown, and hold suspected perpetrators accountable,” Khanyo Farise said.
Mozambique held national elections on 9 October 2024. Soon after, the opposition PODEMOS party and the candidate it backed, Venâncio Mondlane, alleged vote-rigging in favor of the ruling FRELIMO party and its candidate, Daniel Chapo. On 21 October, protests broke out and spread across the country, continuing through Chapo’s 15 January inauguration.
Civil society has reported more than 300 deaths and more than 3,000 injured between 21 October and 16 January. Police put the death toll at protests at 96, including 17 officers.
Amnesty International’s new report is based on 105 verified videos and photos, plus review of other open-source information, as well as 28 interviews, mostly with witnesses and survivors, between October 2024 and January 2025.
Mozambican authorities did not respond to Amnesty’s request for comment.