President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, has ordered an investigation into the crackdown on peaceful protesters in the capital city of Maputo on Saturday.
Reports indicate that police units used force, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and dogs, to disperse demonstrations honouring the late rapper Azagaia in several cities across the country.
Civil society organisations have criticised the police’s brutal tactics, claiming that numerous protesters sustained severe injuries and over 100 individuals were detained.
In response, President Nyusi has called for police to engage in dialogue with citizens to reach common ground that respects both citizens’ rights and the police’s duties.
The state-owned Radio Mozambique reported that the President instructed the interior ministry to investigate why police officers physically confronted young protesters.