Mozambican Justice Minister Mateus Saize condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters, marking it as “not normal,” following over 300 deaths during recent demonstrations against election results. The conflict escalated from peaceful protests to violence, prompting a shift in focus to the cost of living. Official reports indicate substantial casualties and detentions, raising serious concerns over police conduct.
Mateus Saize, the Mozambican Minister of Justice, stated that employing live ammunition against protesters is unacceptable. His comments came in light of over 300 fatalities during recent protests organized by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, which aimed to contest alleged electoral fraud from the October 9 elections. While the demonstrations initiated peacefully, they escalated into violence and looting, with the primary concerns shifting towards the rising cost of living.
Reports from the “Decide” Electoral Platform indicate that since the commencement of protests in October, police have shot dead at least 303 individuals and injured 619 others. Additionally, authorities detained 4,228 people during these events. The Minister emphasized that in cases of unrest, the government recommends the use of rubber bullets and tear gas instead of live ammunition. Despite this, the Rapid Intervention Unit, Mozambique’s riot police, has frequently resorted to using real bullets as a standard procedure, reflecting a troubling trend in handling civil unrest.
The situation in Mozambique underscores a concerning pattern of police violence against protesters. The Justice Minister’s call for non-lethal measures highlights the need for reform in policing tactics, especially in light of the significant loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent demonstrations. It is imperative for the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens while managing public dissent responsibly.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
