Mozambique Tensions Rise as Government Responds Harshly with Tear Gas Against Protesters

Protesters strongly oppose the Mozambican government’s violent crackdown on protesters opposing the recent election process. The Mozambican people’s frustration and discontent have reached a breaking point, as seen by the surge of protests that followed the publication of the October 9 election results on October 24. Opposition supporters have questioned the credibility of these elections, claiming that the ruling party, FRELIMO, committed widespread fraud to achieve victory.

In reaction to the outrage, Mozambican security forces have launched a brutal effort to create fear, suppress and to control citizens. Protesters including unarmed teens and children are getting targeted with rubber bullets, tear gas and, in some cases, live ammunition. According to reports, over 20 people have been killed, more than 390 injured, and approximately 800 illegally jailed. This level of governmental brutality is a humanitarian crisis highlighting an organisation that seeks to oppress rather than protect its people.

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Disturbing reports from Nampula and Niassa show that police violence has reached almost unimaginable levels. Far from just removing crowds, security forces have entered homes and used tear gas on residents without consideration for those at risk like the elderly people and those in bad health. Helicopters have been used to drop tear gas from above which creates a terrifying environment in which residents have no place to seek safety.

Furthermore, the FRELIMO administration has taken this to tremendous lengths to keep Mozambicans disconnected from one another and from the rest of the world by completely restricting internet access. This internet shutdown is clearly intended to silence those who disagree and prevent them from in-depth investigation and analysis of these atrocities. It’s also an intentional effort to silence the public. This approach reflects an increasing, systematic breach of democratic principles by restricting citizen’s freedom of information and speech.