More than 90% of the 315 killed during post-election protests were killed by gunshots

5
More than 90% of the 315 killed during post-election protests were killed by gunshots
More than 90% of the 315 killed during post-election protests were killed by gunshots

Africa-Press – Mozambique. At least 315 people died in Mozambique in the post-election protests, more than 90% of whom were victims of “live bullets”, including two dozen children. A further 730 were injured by gunfire, according to a report released by the electoral platform, Decide.

According to the report by the non-governmental organization (NGO), which monitors the electoral processes in Mozambique, and which surveyed the general elections of October 9 with 400 observers, up until January 16, 315 deaths had been recorded throughout the country since the beginning of the protests called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, on October 21.

Of the total 315 deaths recorded in almost three months of protests in the country, 111 were recorded in Maputo (city and province), in the south of the country, and 81 in Nampula province, in the north.

Some cases documented in the report identify fatalities who were shot while they were inside their homes.

“Of this number, 91% [of deaths] were caused by gunshots using live ammunition and around 9% for various reasons such as being run over, physical assaults and inhaling tear gas. It should be noted that, of the preliminary total data, around 6% [of victims] were minors, 3.1% were women and 4.7% were agents of the Defence and Security Forces,” the document reads.

The report adds that at least 4,236 “illegal detentions” were recorded throughout the country, with 96% of those detained now free, “due to the prompt intervention, in most cases, of the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) and, in some, of other institutions such as the Institute of Legal Assistance and Patrocínio (IPAJ)”.

The Decide platform’s hotline and other media organizations, such as social media and the OAM itself, received a total of 2,447 complaints or case reports, the NGO reports.

Decide also affirms the existence of “more than 3,000 people injured for various reasons, with emphasis on those shot”, which number 730 throughout the country, and highlights that the Order of Nurses of Mozambique “has been providing home care to them to alleviate the suffering of victims with regard to travel to hospitals, as many cannot afford to pay for transport”.

Among those 730 injured by gunshots, the Decide platform details that 336 were registered in Maputo and 142 in Nampula, in the various phases of the demonstrations.

Decide also states in the report that, since the end of November, it has received “several requests for protection” from “various activists and members belonging to opposition parties, with a greater emphasis” on the Podemos party, which supported Venâncio Mondlane’s presidential candidacy and became the largest opposition party in this election.

The complaints reported concern “intimidation and threats to the physical integrity” of members of opposition parties.

“Likewise, the number of missing persons has increased in the post-election context,” especially among “members and supporters of Podemos and Venâncio Mondlane”.

So far, “more than 20 missing persons cases” have been recorded, mostly in the central and northern parts of the country, with a notable one being Arlindo Chissale, who disappeared in Cabo Delgado more than two weeks ago, the document points out.

The post-election demonstrations in Mozambique have also led to violent clashes with the police, with looting and the destruction of public and private property in the last three months.

Daniel Chapo, presidential candidate supported by the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo, in power), was declared the winner of the elections and took office as the fifth President of the Republic on January 15.

For More News And Analysis About Mozambique Follow Africa-Press

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here