Rights groups are demanding that the Mozambican government restores internet access. The neighbouring country is experiencing post-election violence that has so far resulted in 18 deaths.
The internet has been restricted at least four times since 25 October. This after people took to the streets to voice disapproval of the 9 October election result.
The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) returned to power in an election the opposition claims was stolen. Its candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared winner with 70.67% of the vote.
Omhle Ntshingila, project coordinator at Right2Protest, expressed concern that people were being prevented from accessing the internet.
“There is never anything that can justify cutting off communication of citizens [with] the outside world,” she told Salaamedia.
“The only way in which people can communicate what’s happening on the ground and communicate that they need assistance is via digital platforms,” she said. “The only instances that we’ve seen governments use internet shutdowns are when governments are trying to preserve their power in those particular countries.”
Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said restrictions on internet access violated several human rights. These included access to information and the freedoms of speech and peaceful protest.
“The lack of transparency around Mozambique’s internet restrictions fuels the perception that they are meant to suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government,” he said.
“Amid ongoing unrest, the Mozambican government should immediately restore internet access to facilitate people’s access to crucial information.”
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take action. Violence reached South Africa’s doorstep when cars, trucks and houses were torched near the Lebombo border post.
