EFF condemns the Mozambican government’s violent repression against citizens protesting for democracy and justice
6 November 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns the Mozambican government's brutal crackdown on its citizens who are exercising their right to protest against their recent election process. The Mozambican people's frustration and discontent have reached a breaking point, evident in the wave of protests following the announcement of the October 9 election results on October 24. Opposition supporters have challenged the credibility of these elections, asserting that FRELIMO, the ruling party, engaged in widespread fraud to secure victory.
In response to this outcry, Mozambican security forces have unleashed a relentless campaign of violence to intimidate, silence, and control citizens. Protestors—many of them unarmed youths and even children—are being met with rubber bullets, tear gas, and, in some cases, live ammunition. Reports indicate that over 20 people have been killed, more than 390 injured, and around 800 arbitrarily detained. This scale of state violence constitutes a humanitarian crisis and highlights a regime intent on oppressing its people rather than protecting them.
Disturbing reports from regions such as Nampula and Niassa reveal an escalation of police violence to almost unimaginable levels. Security forces, far from merely dispersing crowds, have entered homes and used tear gas on civilians without discretion, with no regard for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those in poor health. Helicopters have been used to deploy tear gas from above, creating a climate of terror that leaves citizens with no place of refuge.
Furthermore, the FRELIMO government has taken extreme measures to keep Mozambicans disconnected from each other and isolated from the world by heavily restricting internet access. This digital blackout is clearly intended to stifle voices of dissent, blocking intemational attention and scrutiny of these atrocities. It is also a calculated attempt to silence the population. This approach represents a growing, systematic violation of democratic principles, denying citizens the freedom of information and expression.
Furthermore, independent candidate Venåncio Mondlane's, who won 20% of the vote, lost his lawyer and spokesman, murdered by unknown assailants. Mondlane himself then sought safety outside Mozambique, fearing for his life, with reports indicating that he narrowly escaped an attack in South Africa before ultimately fleeing to Europe. The EFF, therefore, calls on the South African govemment to investigate this brazen attack on South African soil and to hold accountable any individuals connected to this violation of our nation's sovereignty. It is an alarming show of disrespect by FRELIMO towards South Africa to authorise such a reckless act within our borders.
The EFF demands that the Mozambican government immediately halt its violent tactics against unarmed protestors, restore internet access, and release those detained without justification. The Mozambican state's blatant disregard for its people's rights and for democratic transparency cannot be allowed to persist. We call on the African Union, SADC, and international human rights bodies to intervene urgently and take action against this repression.
The EFF demands that the Mozambican govemment recognise that violence is never the solution to calls for transparency and justice. The people's right to freely protest and express their grievances is fundamental in any democracy, and suppressing these voices only deepens the divide between the state and its citizens. The EFF stands in solidarity with the Mozambican people and their legitimate demands for accountability, dignity, and democratic integrity.
Issued by Leigh-Ann Mathys, National Spokesperson, EFF, 6 November 2024
