Amnesty International has called on the authorities in Mozambique to promptly carry out an investigation into the murder of Pedro João Chaúque, a member of the opposition party National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola). Chaúque was killed on May 16 in Gaza province when armed men broke into his home, took his vehicle and belongings, and fled. The incident underscores ongoing violence against opposition figures in the country, with Amnesty emphasizing the need for an independent and impartial investigation that ensures perpetrators are brought to justice. Details of the call can be found here.
This attack follows another alarming event, the assassination of Anamola coordinator Anselmo Vicente in Manica province on May 9, as well as the concerning disappearance of journalist Arlindo Chissale in January 2025 after reportedly being arrested by security forces. Such incidents suggest a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against government critics and opposition members.
In urging the government to protect the right to life and political expression, Amnesty International insists that Mozambique must uphold its duties under international law. The country’s obligations include safeguarding citizens from violence, intimidation, and harassment. According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Mozambique is a party, the state is required to provide effective remedies when rights violations occur, even when perpetrated by officials.
The violence has been escalating since the October 2024 elections, which international observers reported were fraught with irregularities and significantly restricted free expression. This period has reportedly been marked by at least ten documented killings of opposition members, many involving unidentified assailants, including some in security forces uniforms, giving rise to accusations of state involvement.
Human Rights Watch’s documentation highlights these systematic campaigns against government critics, raising serious concerns about political liberties in Mozambique. The call for a thorough investigation into Chaúque’s assassination by Amnesty International is not simply about resolving one murder; it represents a deeper challenge to Mozambique to reform its handling of opposition activities and criticisms. This situation highlights the urgent need for legislative and systemic reform to guarantee safety and justice for political dissidents and all citizens alike.