Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Mozambican security forces of killing at least 10 children and injuring dozens more during post-election protests. The unrest, sparked by the October 9th election, has seen widespread demonstrations across the country, met with brutal police suppression.
One tragic case involved a 13-year-old girl caught in a crowd fleeing tear gas and gunfire. She was fatally shot in the neck. HRW has documented nine additional child deaths and 36 injuries from gunfire during these protests.
The Mozambican government has not responded to these allegations. Additionally, hundreds of children have been detained for days without notifying their families, a violation of international human rights law.
President Filipe Nyusi acknowledged the unrest in his recent state of the nation address, stating that 19 people have been killed, including five police officers. Over 800 people have been injured, with 66 being police personnel.
Civil society groups, however, report a higher death toll, estimating over 67 fatalities and 2,000 detentions since the protests began.
President Nyusi has extended an invitation to opposition leader Venancio Mondlane for dialogue. Mondlane, who claims victory in the election, has accepted the offer under specific conditions: virtual talks and the dropping of legal proceedings against him.
The 50-year-old opposition leader is believed to have left the country due to fears of arrest or attack, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.