The general commander of Mozambique Police (PRM), Joaquim Sive, called on members of the force to adopt a ‘balanced stance’ while containing post-election demonstrations in the country, reminding the police to respect human rights.
‘The country is currently marked by demonstrations which, in many cases, result in violence and the destruction of public and private property. It is crucial that, when dealing with these situations, they adopt a balanced stance, seeking mediation and dialogue whenever possible,’ he urged during the presentation of the finalists of the Academy of Police Sciences (Acipol).
Sive recalled that the police must remain impartial in their actions when fighting various types of crime, pointing out that members of the force must act as ‘facilitators of dialogue’ in the face of social conflicts.
‘It’s fundamental that, as police officers, they understand that respect for human rights must be the backbone of every action they take. The police should not be feared, but should inspire trust and respect.’
Since last October, Mozambique has been living in a climate of strong social unrest, with demonstrations and stoppages called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who rejects the election results. The protests have caused more than 300 deaths across the country.
