Civil society groups call on SADC to intervene in Mozambique
Activists say there are internet blackouts in some parts of the country in the wake of protests disputing last month's election results.
A motorcyclist with a flag of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) party arrives at the rally in Beira on 6 October 2024. Voters in Mozambique head to the polls on 9 October 2024 to elect their next president. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - A coalition of civil society groups have called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its member states to intervene as deadly violence escalates in Mozambique.
Activists said there are internet blackouts in some parts of the country in the wake of protests disputing last month's election results.
The Frelimo party’s Daniel Chapo was announced the winner of the election taking over 70 percent of the vote.
READ: SA-Mozambique border closed in face of Frelimo's questionable elections victory
The opposition has denounced the outcome as fraudulent.
The Right to Protest group said by cutting off access to information and communication, Mozambique’s government is suppressing dissent- silencing critical perspectives.
It said efforts to litigate against internet shutdowns in the country remain limited due to judicial corruption and personal security risks faced by human rights lawyers.
The group wants SADC to intervene following internet blackouts and to restore a functioning tribunal and mechanisms that safeguard fundamental freedoms across the region.
Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority in South Africa has temporarily closed the Lebombo border post due to violent protests in Mozambique.