A coalition of African digital rights activists has called on Mozambican authorities to immediately cease internet disruptions that occurred during recent protests following the disputed results of the country’s general elections.
The Net Rights Coalition (NRC) has expressed grave concern over the ongoing human rights violations, including mass arrests, extrajudicial killings and the shutdown of internet access by major mobile networks, including Vodacom Mozambique, Telecomunicacoes de Mocambique and Viettel Group.
The disruptions were confirmed on October 25 and 26 after the announcement of election results on October 24 amid allegations of irregularities.
This incident marked yet another instance of the government restricting internet access during critical national events, undermining citizens’ rights to information and expression.
In a statement, the NRC highlighted that the actions taken by the Mozambican government violate both national and international human rights laws.
The coalition pointed to Article 48 of the Mozambican Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
Despite these protections, the NRC argues that the government’s actions are jeopardizing these fundamental rights.
“The empowering nature of the internet should never be seen as a threat but as an enabling tool for fundamental rights to thrive,†the NRC stated, reminding the government of its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The coalition also referenced the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which explicitly states that governments should not engage in or condone disruptions of internet access.
The NRC termed the government’s actions as blatant violations of human rights, incompatible with international standards.
Considering these developments, the NRC demanded immediate action, including the restoration of full internet access and the disclosure of any government orders related to internet shutdowns by service providers.
The coalition’s appeal comes amid rising tensions in Mozambique following the elections held on October 9, which have drawn scrutiny from observer missions regarding the legitimacy of the results.
JN/APA
