Ziyah News Reporter
A group of 17 Civil Society Organizations in Zimbabwe have issued a call for the respect and protection of human rights in Mozambique, condemning the brutal repression faced by citizens in the aftermath of the recent general election.
The 9 October 2024 elections in Mozambique have been marred by credible reports of vote rigging and irregularities, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Tragically, the lead-up to the elections was overshadowed by violence, including the tragic murders of Elvino Dias, an attorney for presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and election party agent Paulo Guambe, both of whom fell victim to politically motivated killings.
In the wake of the election, which returned the ruling Frelimo party now in power for 49 years citizens, particularly the youth, took to the streets to demand transparency, accountability, and an end to decades of authoritarian rule. However, instead of engaging in dialogue, Mozambican authorities responded with a violent crackdown. Reports indicate that at least 30 protestors have been killed and dozens more injured due to the use of tear gas, live ammunition, and arbitrary arrests by security forces.
In a statement, Zimbabwean civil society organizations underscored the parallels between the recent events in Mozambique and past experiences faced in Zimbabwe. The groups expressed deep concern about arbitrary detentions, media restrictions, and harassment imposed on citizens exercising their democratic rights in both countries.
“This violent crackdown in Mozambique recalls the troubling experiences faced in Zimbabwe before, during, and after past elections,” they stated.
The organization also pointed to a broader regional trend, noting the heavy-handed tactics employed by governments not only in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but also in neighboring countries such as Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, and historically, Zambia.
Such tactics, they argue, threaten the fundamental freedoms necessary for peaceful societies across Southern Africa.
“We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of violence, repression, and the undermining of democratic processes. We refuse to accept that the Mozambican people or anyone should live in fear simply for demanding fair representation,” the statement read.
The civil society groups called on the Mozambican government to immediately cease its violent repression of citizens and to uphold the rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association.
They urged that citizens be allowed to protest peacefully without fear of retaliation and that opposition leaders be granted the opportunity to participate freely in the political process.
Moreover, they appealed to regional organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), along with the wider international community, to take immediate and collective action in response to the ongoing crisis in Mozambique.
The plea underscores a pressing need for action to safeguard democracy and human rights in Southern Africa amidst rising monocracy.
Here is a list of the 17 organisations
Association of LGBTI people in Zimbabwe (GALZ)
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
Counselling Services Unit (CSU)
Institute for Young Women Development (IYWD)
Magamba Network
Media Monitors
The Girls Table (TGT)
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ)
Veritas
Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR)
Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET)
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
Zimbabwe National Student Union (ZINASU)
Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA)