Protect the Protest in Mozambique Graphic by Amnesty International

Protect the Protest in Mozambique

Mozambique is experiencing the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. 

Mozambican authorities have launched a massive crackdown following disputed elections on October 9, 2024. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. The government has repeatedly cut internet access across the country and blocked social media sites.

Police have killed dozens of people so far, injured over one hundred and arbitrarily arrested or detained thousands, according to Mozambican civil society organizations. Last week, authorities deployed the military to stop the protests. 

Mozambique’s authorities must immediately halt their escalating assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Attempts to crush peaceful dissent with force risk exacerbating an already dire human rights situation. 

The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force. The number of casualties increases every day, with authorities deploying weapons of war, including rifles and armoured vehicles, on city streets. People cannot even protest in their own homes without risking tear gassing by police.

Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

What you can do to help protect the protest in Mozambique

Read and share our latest news releases

November 14: Mozambique: SADC must take strong stand against spiraling police killings and assault on peaceful assembly

November 6: Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march

October 31: Mozambique: Authorities must end post-election assault on protests now 

October 18: Mozambique: Stop shooting at peaceful political rallies amid disputed election results

Stand up for the right to protest on social media

Stop the bloodshed

The bloodshed in Mozambique is completely unnecessary. Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must immediately halt its violent and widespread crackdown on protests. Authorities must respect everyone’s right to peaceful assembly. Protect the right to protest in Mozambique!

demand accountability

Mozambican authorities must immediately and unconditionally release everyone arbitrarily detained during the post-election protests. Perpetrators, including police, of unlawful killings must face justice in fair and credible trials. Protect the right to protest in Mozambique!

Protect Freedom of Expression

Mozambique's government has repeatedly cut internet access across the country and blocked social media sites for days. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression online and offline. The authorities must keep the internet on. Protect the right to protest in Mozambique!

international action needed

The world has been too quiet amid the violence against protesters in Mozambique. Neighbouring countries, SADC and the African Union must forcefully speak out now to prevent further unlawful killings and other human rights violations. Protect the right to protest in Mozambique!

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