An international media investigation has revealed that dozens of journalists and opposition members were abducted or killed in Mozambique following the disputed October 2024 elections, with evidence pointing to the involvement of security forces.
The probe, conducted by more than 30 journalists led by investigative outlet Forbidden Stories, documents what it describes as a systematic campaign of intimidation targeting critics of the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed the southern African nation since independence from Portugal in 1975.
Frelimo leader Daniel Chapo was declared winner of the October 2024 presidential elections. Several international observer missions said the vote was tainted by irregularities. The election was followed by more than two months of demonstrations and blockades, during which more than 400 people died, according to a local civil society group.
Journalist’s fate remains unknown
Among the cases documented was that of Arlindo Chissale (46), a journalist from the gas-rich northern province of Cabo Delgado. Whilst travelling by bus to the city of Nacala in January 2025, he was intercepted by men, some wearing police uniforms, and abducted after being beaten, according to witnesses cited by the United Nations.
Chissale’s fate remains unknown.
Opposition figure Venancio Mondlane, who came second in the presidential vote, told Forbidden Stories that Chissale communicated very clearly about the mechanics of electoral fraud. “He explained how it was organised, teaching people how to identify it and how to fight it,” Mondlane said, adding that he believes this is why Chissale was ultimately abducted.
More than 400 Mondlane supporters were allegedly victims of violence and 55 were killed, according to complaints filed by the opposition leader with Mozambique’s public prosecutor and reviewed by Forbidden Stories.
Security forces implicated
The investigation implicates security units including the Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) and the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), as well as local informant networks. Neighbourhood chiefs, often affiliated with the ruling party, were used to identify opposition supporters and pass information to the authorities, the report said.
Mozambican authorities did not respond to the journalist collective’s request for comment.
In October 2024, shortly before the election results were announced, Mondlane’s lawyer Elvino Dias and a senior official from Podemos, the party backing his candidacy, were assassinated in an ambush by armed men in central Maputo.
“To the families of the disappeared, the lack of closure lingers like an open wound,” the report said.
Chapo took office in January 2025 and signed a post-election deal with nine other parties and announced a national dialogue.
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