UN rights chief urges de-escalation in post-election tensions in Mozambique

​​​​​​​By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN human rights chief expressed concern Wednesday about increasing post-election tensions in Mozambique which has claimed at least 20 lives, urging de-escalation.

“I have been following with concern events in Mozambique after the elections, and I am deeply alarmed by reports of violence across the country,” Volker Turk said in a statement.

He said violence "has no place" in the electoral processes and it “is crucial that post-electoral grievances are resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue and independent judicial processes, consistent with human rights and the rule of law."

The death toll from post-election violence rose to 24, according to the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, a human rights group.

Violence engulfed the southern African nation following the Oct. 9 presidential election, which was won by Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) with 70% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who according to the commission came in second with 20.32%, has been calling for protests against the results, calling them fraudulent.

The UN Human Rights office noted that protests, which began Oct. 21 following the killing of two senior political representatives, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, have since escalated. "Police have fired live rounds at protesters, resulting in numerous fatalities, and indiscriminately used tear gas," it said.

The office said hundreds have been "arbitrarily detained, and journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders harassed and intimidated."

One officer has been killed, it noted, adding there are reports that internet access has been restricted, affecting access to information.

"I call on all stakeholders to act immediately to de-escalate the situation and reduce risks of further violence," said Turk. "The rights of all in Mozambique must be respected, including the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, and expression including access to information."

He urged police to refrain from using "unnecessary or disproportionate force and ensure that they manage protests in line with Mozambique’s international human rights obligations."

"They must facilitate and protect, rather than hinder, enjoyment of the right to peaceful assembly," he said.

Additionally, he welcomed investigations that have been announced into the killings of Dias and Guambe.