In Solidarity with the People of Mozambique

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF MOZAMBIQUE

Zimbabwe Civil Society’s Call for Respect and Protection of Human Rights in Mozambique

As civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, we stand firm in solidarity with the people of Mozambique, whose rights and voices are being violently suppressed in the aftermath of the recent elections. The brutal repression unfolding in Mozambique mirrors the severe injustices faced by activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens across Southern Africa, and demands a resolute response from all of us who believe in democracy, freedom, and human rights.

The 9 October 2024 general election in Mozambique was marred by credible allegations of vote rigging, irregularities during the counting process, and unjustified alteration of election results at the polling stations among other discrepancies. The lead up to the elections was characterised by troubling incidents of violence as evidenced by the brutal murder of Elvino Dias the attorney for Venâncio Mondlane, who ran for president in the elections. In the same incident election party agent Paulo Guambe was also gunned down; he belonged to the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique, the main extra-parliamentary party that supported Mondlane’s bid for the presidency. Following the election, the declaration of victory for the ruling Frelimo party – which has been in power since independence 49 years ago- sparked peaceful protests from citizens. Citizens consisting mainly of young people concerned for their future took to the streets demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to decades of authoritarian rule by the Frelimo party. Instead of responding with dialogue and respect for democratic rights, the Mozambican authorities have chosen the path of bloodshed and repression, using tear gas, live ammunition, and arbitrary arrests against civilians. Since the protests began, at least 30 people have been killed and 66 sustained injuries caused by firearms or physical aggression suffered at the hands of the armed forces.

This violent crackdown in Mozambique recalls the troubling experiences faced in Zimbabwe before, during, and after past elections, where citizens have often been subjected to arbitrary detentions, media restrictions, and harassment for peacefully exercising their democratic rights. Similarly, in Mozambique, authorities are targeting critics, silencing opposition voices, and employing internet shutdowns to limit free expression and prevent broader regional solidarity. These actions reflect a broader regional trend, observed not only in Zimbabwe but also in neighbouring countries like Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, and, historically, Zambia, where governments have sometimes resorted to heavy-handed tactics to suppress calls for political change and justice. Such practices undermine democracy and threaten the freedoms that are fundamental to 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. Such actions are an affront to the values of human dignity and democracy that our continent claims to uphold.

We call on the Mozambican government to immediately halt its violent repression of citizens and to uphold the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association. This includes guaranteeing that citizens can protest peacefully without fear of retaliation and that opposition leaders are able to participate freely in the political process.

We further urge the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the wider international community to take immediate and collective action in response to the ongoing crisis in Mozambique:

1. Condemnation of Violent Repression: We call on SADC, the AU, and other international bodies to unequivocally condemn the Mozambican government’s use of violence against its citizens and demand accountability for all human rights violations. As Zimbabwe is currently chairing SADC, it must take a strong and vocal stance in calling for justice and holding the Mozambican government accountable for the actions of its security forces.
2. Independent Investigations: The international community must pressure Mozambican authorities to allow for independent investigations into the election process, including allegations of electoral fraud and the targeted killings of opposition figures. Such investigations must be transparent, impartial, and conducted in accordance with international human rights standards to ensure justice is served.
3. Restoration of Freedoms: We demand the immediate restoration of internet access and media freedoms in Mozambique. The government must respect its citizens’ right to access information, express their views freely, and share their stories with the world. The African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) should advocate for these fundamental freedoms as part of their commitment to upholding human rights across Africa.
4. Regional and Global Solidarity: We call on the global community, including the United Nations, to express solidarity with the people of Mozambique and support efforts to restore peace and democracy in the country. The international community must work together to ensure that Mozambicans are allowed to exercise their democratic rights without fear of violence or persecution.

We in Zimbabwe know all too well the cost of silence in the face of oppression. If left unchecked, this cycle of authoritarianism threatens the peace and stability of our entire region. We make this statement as a rallying call to all who stand for justice, democracy, and the fundamental rights of every African citizen to live free from fear and repression.

Signed

1. Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
2. Counselling Services Unit (CSU)
3. Institute for Young Women Development (IYWD)
4. Magamba Network
5. Media Monitors
6. The Association of LGBTI people in Zimbabwe (GALZ)
7. The Girls Table (TGT)
8. Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ)
9. Veritas
10. Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)
11. Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR)
12. Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET)
13. Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
14. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
15. Zimbabwe National Student Union (ZINASU)
16. Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
17. Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA)