Arlindo Chissale, a journalist from Pinnacle newspaper, was forcibly taken by state security agents, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Calls for investigation have been made by IPI and local press organizations. The case reflects ongoing violence against journalists in Mozambique, particularly following the contentious October 2024 elections, raising concerns over press freedoms and government accountability.
The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed grave concern over the enforced disappearance of journalist Arlindo Chissale from Pinnacle newspaper. He was last seen on January 7, coerced into an unmarked vehicle by purported state security agents while traveling from Pemba to Nacala. His current status remains unknown, prompting calls for a thorough investigation by local authorities alongside organizations such as the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
Amy Brouillette, IPI’s Director of Advocacy, emphasized the urgent need for the Mozambican authorities to clarify Chissale’s whereabouts and hold accountable those responsible for his alleged enforced disappearance. Her remarks highlighted ongoing worries regarding attacks on journalists, particularly in the aftermath of the October 2024 elections, where press freedom is under significant threat in Mozambique.
Chissale is recognized for his reporting on the Cabo Delgado conflict, with speculation surrounding his disappearance tied to his journalistic work or possible politically motivated actions against him. His case mirrors the unresolved situation of Ibraimo Mbaruco, another journalist who went missing under similar circumstances, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence against reporters in the region.
Mbaruco’s disappearance, which occurred after he was reportedly surrounded by armed individuals in Cabo Delgado on April 7, 2020, raised alarms about the government’s inability to probe extensively into disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. IPI has persistently pressed for updates from authorities regarding Mbaruco’s case, but with little progress or transparency from the Attorney General’s Office.
The situation for journalists covering the Cabo Delgado conflict is particularly precarious, as government officials have severely criticized independent reporting, citing that it undermines military operations and government authority. This hostility toward dissenting media showcases an alarming inclination to manage the narrative surrounding ongoing unrest.
The post-election climate has further deteriorated for press freedom in Mozambique, where violence intensified after the October 2024 elections, which resulted in over 300 deaths from subsequent crackdowns. Several journalists have been arrested, indicating a troubling environment for reporting and discourse.
In August 2022, an IPI mission revealed serious pressures affecting journalists, including physical assaults, restricted information access, and the invocation of criminal defamation laws to silence dissenting views. The report provided crucial recommendations aimed at alleviating these issues and fostering a more conducive environment for media freedom.
Mozambique’s media landscape has faced significant challenges, particularly following the escalation of violence in Cabo Delgado due to an ongoing insurgency. Prior cases of enforced disappearances and violence against journalists, like that of Ibraimo Mbaruco, have raised alarms over the safety and freedom of press in the country. The government’s approach to handling critical coverage has led to concerns from international bodies about its commitment to upholding human rights and press freedoms. The climate worsened after the 2024 elections, marked by increased violence and repression against dissenting voices in the media.
The forced disappearance of journalist Arlindo Chissale exemplifies the escalating threats and impunity faced by media professionals in Mozambique. Calls for accountability and investigations remain critical as the country grapples with its obligations to protect press freedom amidst violence and political unrest. The lack of government responsiveness and past patterns of violence underscore an urgent need for systemic change to ensure the safety and independence of journalists in fostering a healthy democratic society.
Original Source: ipi.media
