By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a global organisation dedicated to defending press freedom, has raised concerns about the escalating censorship and repression of journalists in Mozambique during the post-election period.
In a statement released on 5 February, the organisation denounced attacks against media professionals covering post-election protests and called for accountability.
"One blogger killed, and an editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens," the statement reads.
The blogger, Albino Sibia (known by his pen name of Mano Shottas) was killed by police while recording footage of violent protests in Ressano Garcia, while the editor, Arlindo Chissale went missing after posting a video supporting former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
“Mozambican journalists have paid a high price for reporting on the post-election crisis,” said Muthoki Mumo, the Programme Coordinator of the CPJ Africa Programme, as quoted in the statement. “The Authorities must ensure accountability for the murder of Albino Sibia (Mano Shottas), the attack on Strip Pedrito, and conduct a credible investigation into the disappearance of Arlindo Chissale,” she added.
The repression of the press is taking place within a broader context of systematic human rights violations, with over 300 people killed during the post-election crisis following the general elections on 9 October 2024. In interviews with MOZTIMES, Mozambican journalists highlighted the increasing disregard for press freedom and free expression, warning of democratic backsliding in the country.
Gaspar Chirindza, a journalist from the SOICO Group, was assaulted by police while documenting protests at OMM Square in Maputo on 21 October 2024. He recounted, “That afternoon, while police were suppressing demonstrators, I was directly hit by a tear gas canister. The police aimed directly at me,” he added.
Chirindza, who was on the front lines of the protests with his camera clearly in hand, believed he was safe. However, he was hit in the right foot, suffering a deep wound and severe bleeding. “They knew who we were,” he said. “Press freedom is a farce. The media is controlled, and many journalists, even in major outlets, are forced to follow the government’s line,” he added.
Luísa Nhatumbo, a journalist with the Portuguese News Agency, Lusa, specialising in covering conflicts and protests, also described instances of her work being hindered. “During the 21 October protests, I noticed that the police were about to fire tear gas, so I quickly moved away from the area where they were interviewing Venâncio Mondlane, the former presidential candidate, and positioned myself behind the police force,” she said.
“Whenever I see the police about to suppress protesters, I know I need to stand behind them. But even that is not a safe spot,” she added.
The rise in violence against journalists in Mozambique has sparked serious concern among international organisations and media professionals. (NM)
