Mozambique forces face UN scrutiny after military vehicle strikes protester
Mozambican security forces have been accused of using excessive force to suppress anti-government protests following disputed October elections. At least two people have died, with the UN calling for an investigation into an incident where a military vehicle struck a woman during protests in the capital Maputo.
Police reportedly opened fire and killed two protesters this week as hundreds of people gathered in the northern city of Nampula.
The country has been gripped by weeks of protests since electoral authorities declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party winner of the 9 October presidential election. Frelimo has governed Mozambique since 1975.
UN Resident Coordinator Catherine Sozi on Thursday urged Mozambican authorities to investigate the mowing down of a woman by a military vehicle on Wednesday.
The Mozambican Ministry of Defence confirmed she had been taken to Maputo Central Hospital for treatment and that her injuries were not life-threatening.
Videos of the incident, widely shared on social media, showed a military vehicle driving over the victim as she stood behind a banner supporting opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane.
The incident took place during a new wave of demonstrations called by Mondlane following his rejection of the poll results.
Human Rights Watch said on Monday that at least 10 children have been killed by security forces since late October.
He is due to step down in January.
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