The United Nations has called on the Mozambican government “to put an immediate end to the violence and repression of journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders and protesters”, during demonstrations called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results of the 9 October general elections.

According to a document, signed by 13 human rights special rapporteurs, which was published on Friday on the website of the UN Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, there are consistent reports suggesting that the violence in Mozambique has caused at least 30 deaths and injured 200 people “and therefore the authorities must promptly and impartially investigate all unlawful killings.”

“There are disturbing reports of excessive police force and the authorities must ensure that those responsible for the violence are investigated and prosecuted. The violations of the right to life, including that of a child, the deliberate killings of unarmed demonstrators and the excessive use of force by police deployed to disperse peaceful protests in Mozambique are very disturbing”, reads the note.