The reported abuses against journalists and civil society activists in Mozambique ahead of the October 2024 elections are deeply concerning.
Development Diaries reports that according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Mozambican police have abused journalists and members of civil society organisations (CSOs) on a large scale, which could negatively affect their ability to do their jobs.
It is understood that the government has failed to investigate formal complaints of harassment, threats, physical assault, and arbitrary arrest and detention targeting those covering election activities.
According to reports, the authorities in recent months have disrupted opposition party campaign meetings and other election-related activities.
Additionally, security forces have frequently broken up peaceful protests, and journalists and activists who have been imprisoned have been held without being charged for extended periods.
Free and independent media and an active civil society are vital for transparent and credible elections.
The harassment, threatening and detainment of those who report on election-related activities is a violation of basic human rights and also an undermining of democratic principles.
The failure of the authorities to investigate these abuses further entrenches a climate of fear, where perpetrators act with impunity.
By this, individual journalists and activists are endangered, which can also erode trust in the state’s ability to uphold justice and protect fundamental freedoms.
Furthermore, prolonged detention without charge violates international human rights standards, and such actions suggest that the Mozambican government is more interested in maintaining power than ensuring a fair and open political process.
Immediate and decisive action is needed to address these violations.
Development Diaries calls on the authorities in Mozambique to ensure that all journalists and activists are free to carry out their work without fear of reprisal.
We also urge the authorities to investigate attacks on journalists and civil society activists.
Photo source: Alfredo Zuniga/AFP via Getty Images
