Maputo, 16 Apr (AIM) – The international human rights body Amnesty International has called on Mozambican President Daniel Chapo to guarantee “a swift, impartial and transparent” investigation into the attempted murder of musician Joel Amaral, better known by his stage name MC Trufafa, in Cualane neighbourhood, in the central city of Quelimane, last Sunday.
Amaral was the head of mobilization for former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who was responsible for calling mass demonstrations in order to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results of the general elections held on 9 October.
Amaral was shot twice, in the arm and in the head. Doctors at Quelimane Central Hospital say that Amaral is out of danger, but he remains in the intensive care unit.
In a letter sent to President Chapo, Amnesty International says “we call on you to ensure that while Joel continues to recover in hospital, his attempted murder must be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigated and we urge you to ensure his safety within and outside the hospital.”
In a report entitled “Human rights violations during Mozambique’s post-2024 election crackdown”, the organization says that, during the post-election tension characterized by mass demonstrations called by Mondlane in order to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results, the Mozambican security forces used unnecessary force against peaceful protesters.
“In violation of international norms and standards, the police unlawfully used firearms and less lethal weapons, killing and injuring protesters and bystanders. The army also used force and less lethal weapons recklessly and unlawfully. In the documented incidents, people lost their lives. The unlawful use of force violated the right to life of protesters and bystanders, as well as their right to peaceful assembly. In other incidents, it inflicted bodily harm”, reads the report.
The organization believes that “if President Daniel Chapo’s new government wants to turn the page, it must ensure thorough and transparent investigations into all allegations of human rights violations committed during the crackdown, and hold suspected perpetrators accountable.”
The report – which is based on 105 verified videos and photos, plus a review of other open-source information, as well as 28 interviews, mostly with witnesses and survivors, between October 2024 and January 2025 – states that the police also carried out mass arbitrary arrests of protesters and bystanders, including children, with reports of torture or other ill-treatment in custody.
According to a report by the NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform, over 380 people were shot dead by police during the demonstrations. However, the government now puts the death toll in the protests at 96, including 17 police officers.
Quelimane has been at a virtual standstill since the attempted murder. Mondlane called for three days of marches in solidarity with Joel Amaral. Many thousands of people have attended the marches which enjoyed the full support of Quelimane Municipal Council, and of the city’s mayor, Manuel de Araujo.
The Quelimane marches have been orderly and peaceful. Police accompanied the marches, but so far there has been no need for them to intervene.
(AIM)
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