Mozambique’s Escalating Political Crisis: Protests, Violence, and Human Rights Violations

Human Rights Research Center

10 minutes ago3 min read

March 14, 2025

HRRC strongly condemns the Mozambican government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters and opposition figures. The international community must act urgently to ensure accountability for these grave human rights violations.

Police deploy amid opposition protests in Maputo, Mozambique, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Protesters dispute the outcome of the Oct. 9 elections that saw the ruling Frelimo party extend its 49-year rule. [Image credit: AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio]

Mozambique has been plunged into a political crisis following the controversial presidential election on October 9, 2024. Venancio Mondlane, the opposition leader who came second in the election, accused President Daniel Chapo's ruling Frelimo party of vote manipulation. The Constitutional Council eventually certified Chapo's victory with 65% of the vote, a percentage lower than the electoral commission's early claim of more than 70%. International observers, notably the European Union, described the election as neither free nor fair. Protests took place all across the country on October 21, 2024, following the assassination of two opposition-linked persons, resulting in a brutal response by security forces.

Since then, security personnel have been accused of serious human rights abuses. According to reports, over 300 people have been killed, including children and bystanders, with over 700 injured. Thousands of people have been unlawfully jailed, with reports of torture and maltreatment in custody. The government has further suppressed opposition by targeting journalists, limiting internet access, and using the military.

On March 5, 2025, police fired live bullets and tear gas into a peaceful protest in Maputo, harming at least 16 people, including two children. The procession, headed by Mondlane, was designed to demonstrate support before a political agreement signing ceremony. Witnesses reported that cops opened fire without notice, causing many to run. Authorities claimed the demonstration delayed traffic, even though the signing event was set for two hours later and six kilometers away.

The brutal repression of protests and political dissent violates fundamental human rights. The use of live fire against peaceful protestors violates international laws, notably the United Nations (UN) Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The 2020 UN Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement stipulates that weapons should never be used to disperse gatherings, and tear gas should only be used after a warning and other peaceful options have been exhausted. Despite these rules, Mozambique's government continues to use fatal force to crush protests, undermining democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

Mateus Saize, Mozambique's new Minister of Justice, has urged security personnel to use less violent measures. However, human rights organizations contend that more comprehensive police reforms and accountability measures are required. Amnesty International has called on the government to investigate all human rights breaches and bring offenders to justice. However, President Chapo's rhetoric has intensified, referring to demonstrators as terrorists and threatening to "shed blood" to put an end to demonstrations. As tensions rise, the international community continues to demand immediate reforms to defend political liberties and prevent future violence.

Glossary

Accountability- Being responsible for one's actions.
Accused- A person who is charged with a crime.
Assassination- The act of intentionally killing someone, usually a public figure.
Brutal- Extremely cruel or violent.
Bystanders- People who are present at an event but are not directly involved.
Comprehensive- Including everything that is needed or relevant.
Contend- Claim, maintain, or argue
Content- The information or material contained in something.
Controversial- Causing disagreement or argument.
Custody- The state of being held or detained by the authorities.
Demonstrations- Public gatherings or protests to express opinions or demands.
Dissents- Disagreements or opposition to a particular view or decision.
Disperse- To scatter or spread out in different directions.
Electoral Commission- A federal body responsible for organizing elections.
Fatal- Causing death.
Investigate- To examine or inquire into something to gather information.
Live bullets- Real bullets that are capable of causing harm or death.
Maltreatment- Cruel or abusive treatment.
Opposition- Something that goes against or disagrees with something or someone else.
Plunged- Suddenly or violently thrown into a situation.
Policy Reforms- Changes made to existing policies or laws.
Procession- Parade or March
Repression- The act of suppressing or controlling people's actions or freedoms.
Rhetoric- The art of using language effectively and persuasively.
Stipulates- To specify or require something as a condition
Tear gas- A chemical substance used to disperse crowds by irritating the eyes and respiratory system.
Undermining- lessening the effectiveness, power or ability of something or someone.

Sources

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Mozambique’s Escalating Political Crisis: Protests, Violence, and Human Rights Violations

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