At least 10 children have been killed and dozens injured in Mozambique’s post-election unrest, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The rights group alleges security forces used excessive force to suppress protests following the contentious October 9 elections.
The elections, which saw the ruling Frelimo party extend its decades-long grip on power, have sparked nationwide protests from opposition supporters. HRW described incidents of police brutality, including the death of a 13-year-old girl who was struck by a bullet while fleeing tear gas and gunfire. “She collapsed instantly after being shot in the neck,” HRW said in its statement.
The group documented nine other child fatalities and at least 36 injuries caused by gunfire during demonstrations. Additionally, HRW accused police of detaining hundreds of minors without notifying their families, violating international human rights laws.
Escalating Unrest
President Filipe Nyusi, set to step down in January, condemned what he called “an attempt to instill chaos” in his recent state of the nation address. Nyusi reported 19 deaths in the unrest, including five police officers, with over 800 people injured, 66 of them police.
Civil society organizations dispute the official figures, reporting over 67 deaths and the detention of approximately 2,000 people since the violence erupted.
Dialogue Amid Crisis
Amid growing unrest, Nyusi has extended an invitation for talks to opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who finished second in the elections but claims to have won. Mondlane has led most of the protests and has demanded virtual discussions, contingent on the dismissal of legal proceedings against him.
Fearing arrest or potential harm, Mondlane has reportedly left the country, though his location remains unknown.
The post-election violence underscores the growing tensions in Mozambique, where opposition voices continue to challenge the legitimacy of Frelimo’s decades-long rule.
