Human Rights Watch Reports Tragic Deaths of Children in Mozambique Unrest
In a tragic incident, security forces in Mozambique have reportedly killed at least 10 children and injured many others while attempting to quell a wave of protests triggered by a disputed presidential election. Human Rights Watch highlighted these concerning events in a report released on Monday.
The unrest has gripped the southern African nation since the election results were announced about a month ago, resulting in the detention of hundreds of minors by security forces. Some of these minors were held for several days, which Human Rights Watch states is a clear violation of international law.
Tensions have escalated significantly after the ruling party’s candidate was declared the winner of the October 9 election, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud from the opposition and sharp criticisms from international observers, including a team from the European Union. Although Mozambican authorities have not provided specific figures on casualties or arrests during the protests, they have acknowledged that some demonstrations turned violent, prompting a strong response from security personnel.
Daniel Chapo’s announcement as the winner of the election on October 24 marks a continuation of the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party’s decades-long grip on power, which dates back to the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975. Chapo is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has completed his term after serving two consecutive terms.
Frelimo has faced repeated accusations of electoral manipulation to maintain its dominance. While violent protests followed local elections last year, the current unrest represents the most significant challenge to Frelimo’s long-standing authority.
Protests erupted vigorously in the capital, Maputo, and spread to other major cities following the shocking assassination of two senior opposition figures on the evening of October 18, a crime described as a political assassination by their party. In response to the unrest, thousands have taken to the streets, heeding calls for protests shared on social media by independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who narrowly lost to Chapo. Mondlane has since left the country, fearing for his safety after his lawyer was among the two opposition members killed in an ambush in Maputo, leaving his supporters to demonstrate in his absence.
International human rights organizations have reported that at least 30 individuals have died due to security forces using live ammunition against protesters, while local Mozambican groups estimate the death toll could be as high as 50. The Mozambique Bar Association recently announced that it has assisted in the release of over 2,700 detainees, many of whom are teenagers, captured by security forces during the crackdown.
The ongoing protests have had a ripple effect, leading to the closure of schools and businesses, and forcing many Mozambicans to stay indoors as fear grips the nation. To restore order amid the chaos, the military has been deployed to the streets.
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