Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, has been removed from his position following allegations of brutality during the country’s contested October election and its aftermath. The dismissal was announced on Thursday by newly inaugurated President Daniel Chapo, marking the first major security shake-up of his presidency as he faces growing public discontent and the challenge of reviving an unstable economy.
Rafael, who served as police chief for seven years, has denied accusations by opposition leaders of collaborating with criminal groups to kidnap and kill protesters. His removal comes amidst one of Mozambique’s worst post-election crises since independence, with civil society groups reporting that over 300 people have been killed in the unrest. Rafael, however, claimed earlier this week that only 96 fatalities had occurred, including 17 police officers, and attributed the deaths to self-defense measures or stray bullets.
The unrest erupted after widespread accusations of election fraud favored the ruling Frelimo party, extending its nearly 50-year dominance. Protesters have taken to the streets, while opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who claims victory in the election, has been at the forefront of demonstrations despite threats to his safety and alleged assassination attempts.
The Mozambique Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CDD) has also accused agents from the elite National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) of infiltrating protests disguised as civilians to identify participants for later house raids, arbitrary arrests, and killings, actions that allegedly turned residential neighborhoods into conflict zones. Sernic has not commented on the allegations.
In response to the turmoil, President Chapo has appointed Joaquim Sive as the new police chief. Sive previously served as the provincial police chief in Sofala and Nampula but was suspended in 2019 after a deadly incident at a Frelimo rally claimed at least 10 lives.
The change in leadership comes as President Chapo faces immense pressure to restore stability, address human rights concerns, and regain public trust amid the nation’s escalating crisis.
