SEVERAL civil society organisations (CSOs), under the umbrella of ZimRights, have condemned the Mozambican government's violent crackdown on citizens protesting the recent election results.
The CSOs called on Sadc, African Union (AU) and other international organisations to condemn the violent repression faced by citizens in Mozambique.
In a statement yesterday, ZimRights expressed solidarity with the people of Mozambique, who have been subjected to brutal repression, including the use of tear gas, live ammunition and arbitrary arrests.
“As civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, we stand firm in solidarity with the people of Mozambique, whose rights and voices are being violently suppressed in the aftermath of the recent elections.
“The brutal repression unfolding in Mozambique mirrors the severe injustices faced by activists, journalists and ordinary citizens across southern Africa,” the organisation said.
They further criticised the Mozambican government’s response to peaceful protests, which have resulted in at least 30 deaths and 66 injuries.
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The organisations also denounced the government’s attempts to silence opposing voices and limit freedom of expression through internet shutdown.
“Since the protests began, at least 30 people have been killed and 66 sustained injuries caused by firearms or physical aggression suffered at the hands of the armed forces.
“This violent crackdown in Mozambique recalls the troubling experiences faced in Zimbabwe before, during, and after past elections, where citizens have often been subjected to arbitrary detentions, media restrictions and harassment for peacefully exercising their democratic rights.
“Similarly, in Mozambique, authorities are targeting critics, silencing opposition voices and employing internet shutdowns to limit free expression and prevent broader regional solidarity.”
The CSOs called on the Mozambican government to immediately halt its violent repression of citizens and to uphold fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression and association.
They also urged Sadc, the African Union and the international community to take collective action in response to the crisis in Mozambique.
The organisations called for independent investigations into the electoral process and the restoration of internet access and media freedoms in Mozambique.
The Sadc leadership has since called an extraordinary summit in Zimbabwe set to be held from tomorrow to November 20.