Mozambique’s press freedom is facing a severe crisis, with the recent murder of a blogger and the disappearance of an editor highlighting the deteriorating conditions for journalists in the country. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of increasing violence and repression against the media, particularly following the controversial October 2024 elections.
The latest attacks target journalists who reported on the nationwide protests that erupted after the elections. During these protests, security forces were accused of using excessive force, which led to the deaths of at least 300 people. The suppression of press freedom has intensified in the aftermath, with journalists increasingly at risk for simply doing their jobs.
The Mozambican chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has condemned the escalating attacks on journalists, describing them as part of a larger trend of shrinking freedoms. MISA has raised alarms about the growing restrictions on the rights to information and freedom of expression, calling for an independent investigation into the abuses that have taken place in the aftermath of the elections.
As the press in Mozambique faces mounting threats, international organizations and media advocates are urging the government to restore basic protections for journalists and uphold their constitutional right to report without fear of violence or censorship.
