from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – AUTHORITIES in Mozambique are under renewed scrutiny following the attempted murder of journalist Carlitos Cadangue, reportedly attacked by armed men wearing police uniforms.
Cadangue, who has been investigating illegal gold mining in Manica province, survived the attack, but the incident highlights the escalating risks faced by journalists in the country.
Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, condemned the attack, stating:
“The attempted murder of Carlitos Cadangue, who has been actively reporting on the illegal mining of gold in the province of Manica, is gravely concerning and shows the growing attacks on the country’s journalists simply for doing their job. Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, effectively and transparently investigate the attempt on Carlitos Cadangue’s life and bring to justice in fair trial anyone suspected to be responsible,” Chagutah said.
He added: “This was a brazen act designed to silence a journalist who has shone a spotlight on the misdeeds of the powerful and to intimidate others from doing the same.”
Chagutah added that Mozambican authorities must “take urgent steps to effectively uphold the human rights of everyone in the country and protect journalists from harassment, intimidation and threats to their lives, whether from state actors or private individuals. They must ensure the safety and security of journalists, human rights defenders and activists in the country and end the prevailing culture of impunity which continues to fuel these attacks.”
Cadangue’s case is part of a troubling pattern of repression in Mozambique.
In recent years, journalists have faced arrest, harassment, and even violent attacks for reporting on corruption, human rights abuses, and state misconduct.
Notable cases include Carlos Cardoso, the investigative journalist murdered in 2000 after exposing high-level corruption; David Tsitsi, reportedly beaten and detained in 2019 for covering land disputes; and Ibraimo Abú, who was arrested and tortured in 2021 for reporting on illegal logging in northern provinces.
These incidents underscore a broader climate of fear, where journalists are often targeted for exposing wrongdoing.
Human rights groups warn that unless Mozambican authorities act decisively, attacks against journalists will continue, undermining press freedom and eroding public accountability.
The government is urged to investigate the attempted murder of Carlitos Cadangue promptly and transparently, ensure his protection, and implement measures to safeguard journalists across Mozambique.
– CAJ News