Mozambique: Investigate journalist’s disappearance now

Mozambican journalist and politician Arlindo Chissale, 46, has been missing since January 7. Witnesses told his family that they saw him pulled from a public minibus, beaten, and taken away by people believed to be security forces.

On January 16, his family reported his disappearance to the 2nd police station in Pemba, Cabo Delgado. However, authorities have not announced any investigation, even though his family provided key details and witness accounts.

This is not the first time a journalist has disappeared in Cabo Delgado. The Mozambican government must act immediately to find Arlindo Chissale, investigate what happened to him, and tell the public where he is.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Mozambique urging them to:

• Ensure that Arlindo Chissale’s enforced disappearance is promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated, with his fate and whereabouts disclosed.
• Bring anyone suspected of being responsible to justice in fair trials.
• Follow up on all existing leads to publicly clarify where Arlindo Chissale is, as well as how and why he was forcibly disappeared.

A journalist and family man

Arlindo Chissale is a journalist, editor of Pinnacle News, and an active political supporter. He covers the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado and has reported on the October 9, 2024, general elections, including allegations of irregularities. He is also a husband and father of five children.

Targeted for his work and political views

Chissale’s reporting on election-related protests and the role of security forces in over 300 deaths has put him at risk. His enforced disappearance follows reports from the opposition party, Podemos, that more than 100 of its members have been forcibly disappeared, abducted, detained, or killed since the protests began. This is not the first time Chissale has been targeted. On August 29, 2022, he was detained, held incommunicado for three days, and later released under strict conditions.

A pattern of attacks on journalists

Chissale is not the first journalist to go missing in Cabo Delgado. In April 2020, Ibrahimo Mbaruco was allegedly abducted by military personnel in Palma district. His fate remains unknown, and the authorities closed the case without resolution. The disappearance of journalists in Mozambique highlights a dangerous pattern of silencing the press, making immediate action crucial.  

Please take action as soon as possible until August 17, 2025. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.