Joaquim Sive, the new General Commander of Mozambique’s police, advocates for dialogue instead of violence in protests. He expressed concern over police clashes with demonstrators, resulting in over 300 deaths attributed to police actions. Sive emphasized the need for mediation, community engagement, and integrity among police officers, aligning his views with Justice Minister Mateus Saize, who criticized the use of live ammunition against protesters.
The newly appointed General Commander of the Mozambican police force, Joaquim Sive, emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence in managing protests. During an address at the police science academy in Maputo, he expressed concern over recent clashes between police and protesters, which began following allegations of fraud in the October general elections.
Originally sparked by the election results, the protests shifted focus to the high cost of living, with demonstrators urging shopkeepers to reduce prices. Tragically, the conflict has resulted in over 300 fatalities, primarily from police gunfire.
Commander Sive advocated for “balanced measures” and a focus on mediation, urging police to act as facilitators of dialogue and community engagement. He stated that police should prioritize working with citizens to foster understanding and consensus.
Furthermore, Sive called upon the new police graduates to exemplify integrity and respect. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining public safety but insisted on the necessity for a safe environment for all.
His comments reflect a growing concern within the government regarding the use of excessive force by law enforcement, particularly against demonstrators. Justice Minister Mateus Saize underscored the need for non-lethal means of crowd control, explicitly discouraging the use of live ammunition, which has been a common practice by the police, particularly the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR).
The recent address by General Commander Joaquim Sive symbolized a critical shift in the Mozambican police approach to handling civil unrest. Emphasizing dialogue and community engagement over violence, he insisted on integrity among police personnel while responding to peaceful protests. His remarks, aligned with those of Justice Minister Mateus Saize, signify a necessary reevaluation of police tactics, especially regarding the use of deadly force during demonstrations.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
