from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – THERE is concern over lack of justice following the killing of at least ten key opposition party officials in Mozambique since last October.
Unidentified gunmen, some wearing security force uniforms, shot dead the individuals.
They are among the more than 300 people killed in post-election violence.
Human Rights Watch reports that Mozambican authorities have failed to conduct credible investigations into the wave of political killings.
“The failure of Mozambique’s police to credibly investigate the killings of key opposition members sends a chilling message that the authorities have no interest in bringing those responsible to justice,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
The activist said prompt, thorough, and effective investigations and fair prosecutions were needed if these apparently politically motivated killings are to stop.
Human Rights Watch documented the killings of ten opposition figures across the country through remote interviews with 21 people, including witnesses, relatives of the victims, journalists and the police.
The Southern African country is reeling from its worst post-election violence in years, 50 years after independence.
The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) has been in power since self-rule, now led by Daniel Chapo.
Opponents claimed his victory last October was rigged but have signed a unity pact with FRELIMO.
– CAJ News