Mozambique: Video showing soldiers burning corpses is latest evidence of atrocities in forgotten war in Cabo Delgado – African Business

In response to a video being circulated on social media purportedly showing soldiers throwing dead bodies onto a pile of burning household items in the northern Mozambique province of Cabo Delgado, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

“The viral video showing soldiers burning corpses is another horrific event that gives a glimpse of what is going on away from the attention of international media in this forgotten war in Cabo Delgado.

“Tragically it appears that incidents of Violence against civilians, extrajudicial executions, and other violations of human rights and violations international humanitarian law continue to occur, as they did previously documented by Amnesty International.”

Amnesty International reviewed the video on 10 January. It gained attention on social media. It is believed that the incident occurred in Cabo Delgado in November 2022. Since 2021, the Southern African Development Mission in Mozambique regional force (SAMIM), which also includes troops from South Africa’s National Defence Force has been fighting armed rebel factions alongside Mozambique government troops.

The video also features at least one member from the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) who is seen looking on and filming the event. The South African National Defence Force released a statement 10 January acknowledging that SANDF member(s), were present.

Tigere Chagutah said: “The burning of what appears to be dead bodies by soldiers is deplorable and is likely a violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the mutilation of corpses and requires that the dead be disposed of in a respectful manner.

“Mozambican authorities and SAMIM must launch a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of these killings and the burning of the bodies and anyone against whom there is sufficient admissible evidence should be prosecuted in fair trials. Security in Cabo Delgado must not come at the cost of human rights violations.”

Distributed by APO Group, on behalf of Amnesty International.