Nigerian Journalists Detained and Released Amid Mozambique’s Post‑Election Turmoil

November 15, 2024 – Mozambique/Nigeria –

Amid volatile protests following Mozambique’s contested October 2024 election, two Nigerian correspondents from News Central TV faced sudden detention while reporting in Maputo, drawing significant international attention and prompting calls for press freedom protections.

On November 14, 2024, News Central TV journalist Bongani Siziba and cameraman Sbonelo Mkhasibe, both based in South Africa, were detained by Mozambican authorities alongside translator Charles Mangwiro. The trio was covering anti‑government demonstrations when police seized them at gunpoint, blindfolded them, and took them to an undisclosed location. Held overnight, they were denied medication and coerced with interrogation and intimidation before their release the following day. Outlets like MISA and the Nigerian broadcaster condemned their detention as arbitrary and unlawful, emphasizing that “journalism … is not a crime” and demanding immediate transparency and justice.

The arrest sparked swift regional and international backlash. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) denounced the move and demanded an official explanation, while MISA urged Mozambique to respect freedom of the press and ensure journalist safety. News Central TV expressed alarm over what it called a “forced night in a military‑style compound,” calling it an assault on media rights.

This incident is part of a broader crackdown targeting independent and foreign journalists amid escalating civil unrest over alleged electoral fraud. As reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least nine journalists have been detained in this period, with others assaulted or expelled. On November 13, reporters from indigenous media Radio TV Encontro—César Rafael and Valdimiro Amisse—were violently chased and physically assaulted in Nampula, then forced to delete footage under duress. Lusa cameraman Paulo Julião was struck by a rubber bullet on November 4 while covering protests, representing the pattern of intimidation and attacks faced by journalists.

These actions reflect a broader governmental crackdown meant to suppress coverage during political instability, including violent repression of protesters—who are reported to have suffered more than 30 deaths—and internet restrictions aimed at limiting real-time news coverage.

The eventual release of the Nigerian journalists highlights the power of collective advocacy. However, rights groups stress that Mozambique must implement structural reforms: safeguard journalists, cease arbitrary detentions, ensure access for media during protests, and enforce legal protections for free reporting. As political unrest persists into 2025, guaranteeing press freedom remains key to democratic accountability and the right to information.

Reference – 

https://www.dw.com/en/mozambique-releases-nigerian-outlets-detained-journalists/a-70797109

https://fij.ng/article/news-central-tv-correspondents-arrested-in-mozambique/