Amnesty International has publicly called for a comprehensive investigation into the attempted murder of Mozambican journalist Carlitos Candangue. The incident occurred on Wednesday as Candangue, accompanied by his son, came under fire from armed assailants allegedly dressed in police uniforms. The attack follows Candangue’s investigative reports on illegal gold mining in Manica province, reports which had previously attracted death threats. Amnesty’s Regional Director, Tigere Chagutah, condemned the attack as an attempt to silence journalists exposing wrongdoing and to deter others from similar investigations.
Chagutah urged Mozambican authorities to initiate a thorough, independent investigation to ensure that justice is served. The rights group emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for effective remedies for Candangue’s family, highlighting the broader issue of press freedom and journalist safety in Mozambique.
Candangue’s reporting has been critical in revealing the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining activities in Manica. His articles spotlighted the suspension of mining licenses due to rampant environmental damage and the adverse effects on local water supplies, agriculture, and community health. Moreover, his investigations have brought to light allegations of labor rights violations by mining companies.
Inocêncio Impissa, a spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, expressed additional concerns about national security, noting the involvement of foreign groups in illegal mining operations. These operations have been linked to unlawful gold trading, extortion, and heightened public insecurity, prompting the suspension of all mining activities in the region.
Adding to the complexity, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has been pursuing criminal cases associated with these environmental and social issues. Allegations include pollution, illegal mineral extraction, deforestation, tax evasion, and child labor. However, the progress of these investigations remains unclear.
The attempted murder of Candangue resonates with a troubling trend of violence and intimidation against journalists in Mozambique. In a recent example, journalist João Chamusse was found dead under suspicious circumstances, marking a continuation of threats against media personnel. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised alarms over the harassment, threats, and assaults faced by journalists, particularly in the run-up to Mozambique’s 2024 elections.
This call to action by Amnesty International comes amid broader concerns about press safety in the region. A rights center has recently highlighted similar threats faced by journalists and civilians across multiple countries, describing such attacks as violations of international humanitarian law. More details can be found at JURIST.
As the situation unfolds, the demand for justice and protection for journalists like Carlitos Candangue remains critical in ensuring transparency and holding powerful entities accountable in Mozambique.