UPDATE (February 8, 2025): A New Chapter of Sorrow and Uncertainty ⚠️📱 Today, Arlindo Chissale’s cellphone is active and receiving calls, yet no one is answering them. Since his disappearance, the number had remained off; now, with calls coming in unanswered, this eerie silence deepens the tragedy and underscores the urgent need for answers. To recap: Arlindo Chissale disappeared just under a month ago between the city of Pemba and Montepuez in Cabo Delgado while traveling by public transport to the Port of Nacala. Shortly afterward, the search was called off, and his family reluctantly came to accept the possibility that he had been assassinated—even though his body has not been found. Police authorities have already initiated an investigation into his disappearance, and his cellphone had remained off until now. However, today his number has started receiving calls without any response, leaving his family deeply worried and on high alert. This new development intensifies the anguish and the urgent need for a thorough investigation to clarify his fate and hold those responsible accountable. We call on Mozambican authorities and the international community 🌍 to mobilize, demanding transparency and justice in this delicate case. #JusticeForArlindo #HumanRights #CaboDelgado #Mozambique #Transparency #Accountability

Tragedy and Tension in Aúbe: The Impact of Exorbitant Fees and Popular Violence ⚠️😢 Last Thursday, February 6, 2025, the community in Aúbe, District of Angoche, Nampula, reacted with deep indignation to the imposition of exorbitant fees—set at 750 meticais—for access to Basic Secondary Education. This drastic measure ignited a massive mobilization of citizens who gathered at Aúbe Secondary School, located at the Administrative Post of Aúbe. In this atmosphere, the “Naparamas” – traditional warriors rooted in Mozambique’s history – emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance, having already passed through the village of Larde the previous day and converging at the residence of the Administrative Post Chief to protest. 🚨 Violence on the Streets Reports indicate that the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM) intervened with direct gunfire during the protest, tragically resulting in the deaths of six men. In the ensuing chaos, a PRM officer was captured and suffered the loss of an upper limb, later being transported back to the City of Angoche. Such violent clashes underscore the severe consequences of suppressing civic demands and highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform. 💔 A Call for Justice and Unity The killing of Naparamas members is viewed as a deliberate act of intimidation, targeting a population already burdened by systemic injustices. This tragic event not only violates the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable children, but also further erodes trust in state institutions. The brutal response by the police against those mobilizing for their communities has led to a breakdown in social cohesion, leaving many in a state of perpetual insecurity. As protesters were forced to retreat to the Chalaua Administrative Post areas in Moma while seeking reinforcements for potential confrontations in Angoche, it became evident that urgent and effective measures are needed. The situation in Aúbe is a stark reminder of the critical need for solutions that uphold equity, security, and respect for human rights in our society. #HumanRights #SocialJustice #Mozambique #EducationForAll #CivicEngagement #CommunityResilience

Maxaquene’s Stand: When Residents Took Justice into Their Own Hands at a Maputo Police Post Mozambique is currently facing significant challenges, just 20 days after Daniel Chapo's inauguration. In a striking display of public discontent, residents from the Maxaquene neighborhood near Maputo took matters into their own hands at a local police post. Today, as we mark the funeral of the young man who tragically lost his life at that police post, demonstrators have even brought the coffin inside the station to hold a wake, demanding that the police oversee the burial of the victim. In contrast, it is worth noting that the police have maintained a peaceful and measured stance, a posture that could ultimately lead to a peaceful resolution. Since the appointment of the new General Commander, the police have shown increased tolerance towards a populace that has been expressing its frustration through acts of social protest. In these turbulent times, unity and dialogue are essential to restoring public trust and ensuring a future of stability and progress in Mozambique. #Leadership #SocialJustice #Mozambique #Peace #InstitutionalDialogue

This Is Not the Africa We Want The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a disturbing and dangerous threshold. The FARDC soldiers fleeing to Rubavu, surrendering their weapons to Rwandan security forces, serves as yet another grim reminder of the chaos engulfing the region. The situation is exacerbated by what many perceive as a Rwandan-backed insurgency led by the M23 rebellion—a force brazenly occupying Congolese territory with impunity. This is not the Africa we want. The very foundation of our shared Pan-African vision—a continent united, peaceful, and committed to sovereignty—is being undermined. How can we claim to champion African solutions to African problems when one nation's alleged interference destabilizes another? How can we achieve regional stability when territorial integrity is blatantly violated, and lives are upended by violence and displacement? The people of the DRC have borne the brunt of these violations for far too long. Entire communities have been uprooted, livelihoods destroyed, and trust in governance shattered. This is not merely a Congolese issue—it is an African tragedy. The silence, inaction, or complicity of regional leaders is a stain on the collective conscience of the continent. The M23 insurgency, allegedly supported by Rwanda, does not reflect the Africa we aspire to build—a continent of collaboration, respect for borders, and mutual development. Instead, it fosters division, distrust, and continued exploitation of one of Africa’s most resource-rich regions, perpetuating cycles of poverty, insecurity, and exploitation. This moment calls for resolute action. The @_AfricanUnion @AUC_PAPS , regional blocs like @SADC_News and the East African Community, and international partners must unequivocally condemn the violations of sovereignty, enforce accountability, and pressure those complicit to cease their destabilizing activities. The people of Africa deserve leadership that prioritizes peace and justice over narrow national interests. This is not the Africa we want—but it can still be the Africa we fight to achieve. Let this crisis spark a renewed determination to ensure that never again will African lives be pawns in the pursuit of power. Let us build an Africa where borders are respected, sovereignty is upheld, and the dignity of every African is protected. @tsunga_arnold @Hassan_shire @DeproseM @daddyhope

Chaos in Maputo: A Nation on the Brink This morning, Maputo woke to chaos. Toll operators #TRAC and #REVIMO announced the resumption of toll charges after nearly two months of suspension, following the wave of post-election protests that left many toll gates across the country partially or completely destroyed. For years, these toll gates—strategically placed at the main access points to the city—have symbolized exploitation and inequity for the population. Today, in a show of defiance against the operators’ unyielding stance, residents erected barricades near the toll gates, bringing traffic to a complete halt. The message is clear: enough is enough. Since October 2024, Maputo has been gripped by unrelenting social unrest, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and sustained by growing dissatisfaction with governance and institutions. Each day, the people grow bolder, organizing and mobilizing what feels like a grassroots movement of “popular democracy.” With this growing resistance, the cracks in the state’s foundation deepen, threatening a potential collapse. And yet, the authorities remain steadfast in their refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with the diverse and vibrant forces of civil society. This inaction risks transforming the current chaos into an enduring crisis that could devastate the nation’s future. What we are witnessing is more than social unrest—it is a call for justice, dignity, and change. Will the government rise to the challenge of inclusive governance, or will it cling to a failing status quo, pushing the nation closer to the brink? The time to act is now.

🚨 Urgent Update: Tragic Loss Confirmed 💔 It is with immense sorrow that we confirm the death of human rights journalist Arlindo Chissale. According to his family, Arlindo was targeted and killed by death squads—a devastating and tragic escalation in the attack on press freedom and human rights defenders in Mozambique. His body has not yet been found. 🕊️ Arlindo’s assassination is a chilling reminder of the mortal dangers faced by those who dare to expose the truth and defend human rights. This heinous act demands immediate accountability and a thorough investigation. ⚖️ We call on Mozambican authorities to urgently locate his body, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the safety of all journalists and human rights defenders. We also urge the international community 🌍 to stand in solidarity and amplify its voice against this egregious attack. Let us honor Arlindo’s legacy by redoubling our efforts to defend press freedom 📰 and protect those who risk their lives for justice. Share widely to demand #JusticeForArlindo. ✊🕊️

Mozambique: A Grim Human Rights Crisis Unfolds This social media video exposes the most brutal face of the Mozambican police. While the date and location remain unclear, it appears that these individuals are being taken for execution. We have been relentlessly exposing death squads, summary executions of young people, and the chilling discovery of mass graves—believed to contain victims exterminated by these death squads. Mozambique is currently experiencing its worst human rights crisis since the establishment of its democratic regime in 1994. The scale of violence and repression is unprecedented, and the silence surrounding these atrocities is deafening. It is crucial to bring global attention to these grave violations and to demand accountability. Together, we must stand for justice, dignity, and the protection of human rights in Mozambique. #HumanRights #Mozambique #JusticeForAll #Accountability #EndImpunity

Mozambique: Post-Election Violence, Death Squads, and the Naparamas Conflict The violent protests that erupted following the fraudulent elections of October 9, 2024, have officially ended, leaving a devastating toll of over 500 lives lost. However, the aftermath of these protests continues to haunt the nation, with various conflicts simmering beneath the surface. Among these are the actions of death squads that torment neighborhoods in Maputo and other provinces across the country. In this video, we highlight a new dimension of conflict: the clashes between police forces and the Naparamas. The Naparamas, a paramilitary group that once supported the State in combating violent extremism in Cabo Delgado, have turned against the security forces in the context of the post-election protests. Violent confrontations between the police and the Naparamas have occurred in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia, resulting in fatalities on both sides. Weakened by these confrontations, the Naparamas are now being hunted and beaten by the police, showcasing clear instances of human rights abuses. This represents the current state of human rights in Mozambique, which has deteriorated significantly since the 2024 general elections. The police have transformed into an instrument of terror, fostering an environment that enables the rise of groups like the Naparamas while simultaneously persecuting them. These actions often culminate in violence and death, reflecting a grim reality in which the rule of law has been supplanted by systemic abuse and a disregard for fundamental human rights. It is crucial that we shed light on these injustices, demand accountability, and call for urgent reforms to restore the dignity and rights of all Mozambicans. #HumanRights #Mozambique #PostElectionCrisis #NaparamasConflict #JusticeForAll #Accountability

Two Years Without Thulani Maseko: A Beacon of Courage and Justice Today marks two years since the brutal assassination of Thulani Maseko, a fearless defender of human rights, a relentless voice for justice, and a towering figure in the fight for democracy in Eswatini and beyond. His absence continues to leave a void in the hearts of those who knew him and an indelible mark on the collective struggle for a freer, fairer world. Thulani was more than an activist; he was a symbol of hope and courage. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice inspired countless individuals to stand tall against oppression. Despite the threats he faced, he remained resolute, using his intellect, legal expertise, and unshakeable conviction to defend the voiceless and challenge systems of injustice. Though his life was cut tragically short, his legacy lives on. It lives in the courageous actions of those who continue his work, in the communities he empowered, and in the dreams of a better future for Eswatini and the region. Thulani taught us that the price of freedom is never too high, and the pursuit of justice is never in vain. As we remember Thulani today, let us honor his memory by rededicating ourselves to the causes he held dear. Let us remain vigilant and united, standing firm in the face of adversity, and let us continue to demand accountability, dignity, and justice for all. Rest in power, Thulani Maseko. Your light continues to guide us. #ThulaniMaseko #HumanRights #Justice #NeverForgotten

Death Squads in Mozambique: A Dark Chapter in Democracy Mozambique is gripped by one of its darkest periods, as death squads linked to state security forces unleash terror nationwide. Targeting young people branded as the “backbone” of protests against the disputed October 2024 elections, these squads symbolize the brutal aftermath of a political crisis fueled by alleged electoral fraud. A Grim Legacy of State-Sanctioned Violence Death squads are not new to Mozambique’s political landscape. From Joaquim Chissano to Filipe Nyusi, these covert groups have been tools for silencing dissent. Once targeting whistleblowers and opposition members, their operations now extend deep into Renamo strongholds, spreading fear and claiming lives in provinces like Manica, Sofala, Zambezia, and Nampula. Nyusi’s Decade of Escalation Under Filipe Nyusi, violence escalated dramatically. The assassination of Professor Gilles Cistac in 2015 marked the start of systematic attacks on activists and election observers. In 2019, Anastácio Matavel, an election observer, was killed in broad daylight—symbolizing the state’s weaponization of violence to suppress dissent. 2024: Violence Peaks Last year marked the zenith of brutality. Assassinations were pre-announced on social media, a chilling display of impunity. Lawyer Elvino Dias and politician Paulo Guambe were among those murdered, while the January 2025 inauguration of President Daniel Chapo saw the killing of three young men by death squads linked to the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR). A Nation on the Edge These death squads, operating across provinces like Cabo Delgado and Zambezia, are organized and deadly. Victims vanish, their bodies often discarded in remote locations. Neighborhoods like Polana Caniço in Maputo and the Pemba-Montepuez corridor now live under constant fear. Chapo’s Defining Moment President Chapo stands at a crossroads. He can dismantle this machinery of terror and restore faith in Mozambique’s democracy—or perpetuate its legacy of violence. His choice will shape his presidency and define Mozambique’s future. History watches. Will Chapo rise to the challenge? #Mozambique #Democracy #HumanRights #JusticeNow

🚨 Defense of Human Rights: CNN Portugal Covers Our Work On Monday, January 13th, our communications team was prevented from entering Parliament to broadcast the Swearing-In Ceremony of the Members of the National Assembly. According to information received, a "higher order" instructed military personnel to deny access to @CDD_Moz , claiming that "we make too much noise about human rights." It is clear that there is an attempt to prevent the world from witnessing, through our impartial and independent work, the atrocities, abuses, and severe human rights violations that resulted in more than 500 deaths during the protests. However, @cnnportugal , an internationally renowned television network, took to the streets to follow our work. Led by journalist #SheilaWilson, the team launched a campaign aimed at identifying the deceased and injured victims of the protests. Together, we visited families to document the stories of each victim. 📺 This important work will soon be aired on CNN Portugal. Long live freedom, dignity, and human rights! 👏 Congratulations to the CDD team, and our sincere thanks to CNN Portugal for their commitment to truth and justice. #HumanRights #Freedom #Justice #CDD @cnnportugal

Mozambique's Canine Police: A Proud Addition to the Inauguration Spectacle Post: Who knew? Mozambique also has a canine police unit! Yesterday, as the 5th President of the Republic of Mozambique was inaugurated, this "elite" force made a rare appearance near Independence Square. It’s not every day you see dogs on duty at such high-profile events—perhaps a sign of the nation's cutting-edge approach to security? While canine units are standard in many countries, their deployment in Mozambique feels... innovative, to say the least. Whether for crowd control, sniffing out trouble, or simply adding flair to the proceedings, their presence certainly raised a few eyebrows. So, is this the dawn of a new era in Mozambique’s security strategy, or just another curious footnote in a heavily policed inauguration? #Mozambique #CaninePolice #SecurityTheMozambicanWay #PresidentialInauguration

A Funeral of Mourning and Anger – Youth Killed by Police on Presidential Inauguration Day Today, January 16, 2025, we say goodbye to Estefan Diogo Sitoe (18), Nomene Tamara Sitoe (17), and Abubacar Ibraim Soares (17)—three young lives cut short by police violence during the inauguration of President Daniel Chapo. 🔴 This video shows their funeral procession—a heartbreaking reminder of the unchecked brutality that has gripped Mozambique. The three were ambushed by the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) in Machava Socimol, moments after a brief encounter with undercover officers. Reinforcements arrived and opened fire without hesitation, killing them instantly and injuring two others. Their funeral is not just a moment of grief but a cry for justice. These senseless killings are part of a larger pattern of violence that has claimed 517 lives during protests across the country. 🖤 Estefan, Nomene, Abubacar, and countless others deserved better. Their deaths demand accountability and an end to state-sanctioned violence. #Mozambique #JusticeForTheYouth #StopPoliceBrutality #HumanRights

A Dark Day in Maputo: Presidential Inauguration Overshadowed by Police Terror Yesterday's presidential inauguration in Maputo will not be remembered for its speeches or promises of a brighter future—it will be remembered for the overwhelming police violence that turned the city into a battlefield. Young people eager to witness the historic event were brutally barred. The ceremony, closed to the public and attended only by a select few, was devoid of energy or hope, as citizens cowered in their homes, fearing the heavily armed police patrolling the streets. Maputo resembled a war zone. Gunfire echoed through the city as police fired indiscriminately, claiming the lives of 8 innocent people—individuals who were not even near the ceremony but simply going about their lives in their neighborhoods. The chaos was so pervasive that journalists were forced to wear bulletproof vests and helmets just to survive. This is not just about one dark day; it is about the system that enabled it. The police force, once a symbol of law and order, has become a machine of terror, silencing dissent and instilling fear. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice, accountability, and a recommitment to human rights and democratic values. The question now is: Will President Daniel Chapo dismantle the terror machine that the Mozambique police have become?

🌍 MAPUTO: Inauguration Marred by Bloodshed – A Dark Day for Mozambique’s Youth Today, January 15, 2025, marks the inauguration of Daniel Chapo as President of Mozambique. Yet, this historic moment has been overshadowed by shocking police violence, staining what should have been a day of national pride. Four young lives were brutally taken, including Estefan Diogo Sitoe (18 years old), Nomene Tamara Sitoe (17 years old), and Abubacar Ibraim Soares (17 years old), in horrific incidents at the hands of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), a subdivision of Mozambique’s national police. The three young victims in Machava Socimol were ambushed and killed as they left a local bar, following a brief exchange with an undercover officer who called for reinforcements. Without hesitation, reinforcements arrived and opened fire, killing them on the spot and injuring two others—one critically. Another tragic killing occurred near the third roundabout on the way to Matola-Gare. While the details remain unclear, this incident only deepens the sense of outrage at the escalating violence against young people. 🔴 This wave of violence is part of a deliberate strategy, with undercover officers targeting groups of young people under the pretense of cracking down on potential protest organizers. Since the start of the protests, 517 individuals have lost their lives to police brutality across Mozambique. Today’s events are a somber reminder of the state-sanctioned violence that has gripped Mozambique, silencing its youth and staining the nation’s conscience. 🖤 Estefan, Nomene, Abubacar, and countless others deserved better. Let this moment be a rallying cry for justice, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of peace. #Mozambique #JusticeForTheYouth #HumanRights #StopPoliceBrutality

🌍 Maputo Under Siege: The Grim Reality Ahead of Daniel Chapo’s Inauguration This video paints a stark picture of Maputo today, on the eve of Daniel Chapo’s inauguration as the fifth President of Mozambique. The city is under heavy militarization, with arbitrary arrests of young people and an atmosphere of fear fueled by relentless police repression. Although a public holiday was declared, allowing citizens to rest, the city feels eerily like a curfew in broad daylight. Security forces dominate the streets, detentions are widespread, and the silence is deafening—a chilling backdrop to what should be a moment of democratic celebration. Instead of unity and hope, this inauguration is overshadowed by repression, instability, and a blatant disregard for fundamental freedoms. As the streets of Maputo remain shrouded in tension, we are reminded of the urgent need for a Mozambique built on justice, dignity, and human rights. Let this moment ignite reflection and inspire action toward a brighter, freer future for all. ✊

Farewell to Nyusi: Turning the Page on a Dark Chapter in Mozambique’s History I witnessed President Joaquim Alberto Chissano leave office in January 2005. I saw President Armando Guebuza step down in January 2015. And today, January 15, 2025, I witness President Filipe Nyusi leave power. When Chissano and Guebuza left, it was the people's yearning for change that prevailed—fueled by their failure to combat corruption and organized crime. But with Nyusi, it is something far more profound: it is the overwhelming desire to see the man who presided over the destruction of Mozambique finally go. Under Nyusi’s rule, Mozambique was plunged into the deepest political, electoral, economic, social, and security crisis since independence. His regime was marked by unprecedented abuses: human rights and democracy defenders were brutally murdered; violations of rights became routine; and a dark consensus emerged—the state itself orchestrates death squads to eliminate those who dare to dream of a better Mozambique. The scars left by his governance will take years to heal. The machinery of fear and death that he built will take time to dismantle. But today, we turn a page. Goodbye, Filipe Nyusi. The people of Mozambique will never forget, but they will celebrate this moment of liberation. Let the music play loud for freedom and hope! 🎶 ✊

🌍 Maputo: A City Silenced Ahead of Presidential Inauguration The streets of Maputo are eerily deserted on the eve of Daniel Chapo's inauguration as Mozambique’s 5th President. This calm is not by chance; opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for a "stay-at-home" protest to overshadow the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony. However, this silence is also a product of fear. Security forces, including UIR and SERNIC, have been patrolling neighborhoods, using tear gas and live ammunition to deter people from gathering or leaving their homes. In the city’s outskirts, an atmosphere of terror and intimidation looms, leaving communities trapped in fear. This moment captures the fragile state of our democracy, where civic expression is met with violence and repression. The question remains: how do we rebuild trust and create a space for peaceful dissent and dialogue? #Mozambique #Democracy #HumanRights #FreedomOfExpression

The prison break on December 25th was a carefully orchestrated operation aimed at securing the release of specific groups, including individuals linked to terrorism in Cabo Delgado, drug trafficking, and kidnappings, all detained in BO-controlled areas. There are strong suspicions that high-ranking officials within the state and the ruling Frelimo party were involved in organizing the escape, pointing to a possible network of complicity at the highest levels of power. Tragically, over 100 inmates from the Central Prison were massacred amidst the chaos, a deliberate distraction to ensure the release of these high-profile detainees. This incident underscores the deep entanglement of organized crime within the governance structures of Mozambique. As such, we are committed to continuing our investigation to uncover the full truth behind this grave event and ensure accountability at all levels. @PiersPigou @tsunga_arnold @DeproseM @zenaidamz @Cidiachissungo