Responding to reports that police in Mozambique’s Nampula city fired at and detained supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane at a rally following disputed national elections, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, addressed the situation:
What is the Standpoint of Amnesty International?
- Amnesty International condemns the shooting and detainment of opposition supporters.
- Police are urged to respect people’s right to peaceful assembly regardless of election outcomes.
Background Details
- Police shot at Mondlane’s supporters on 16 October, wounding at least one person during a public rally.
- David Calisto Bandeira, a musician and PODEMOS party supporter, was arrested on charges of inciting violence.
Recent Incidents
- On 10 October, police shot and wounded two individuals at polling stations in Baundua and Maputo.
- Supporters of Mondlane and PODEMOS have been protesting alleged election irregularities since 12 October.
What is the Call for Action?
- Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike on 21 October given the reported irregularities.
- Amid contested election results, the situation remains tense in Nampula and other regions.
The post by Amnesty International urges an end to shooting at peaceful political rallies amidst disputed election outcomes in Mozambique.
Source: www.amnesty.org