MISA Mozambique, the Mozambican Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), has expressed grave concern and formally requested clarification regarding incidents of psychological torture, intimidation, and temporary confiscation of journalistic equipment reportedly carried out by members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) against a group of 16 national journalists in Macomia district, Cabo Delgado province.
According to the journalists’ account, the group was on an official reporting assignment organised at the invitation of the National Roads Administration. The journalists, representing various media outlets based in Pemba, were en route to Mueda to cover the ongoing road paving works on the Mueda–Negomano section of the Mtwara Development Corridor.
On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the group made a stop in Macomia, where they interviewed the District Administrator, Tomás Badae, on the reconstruction process of the town, which has been devastated by repeated terrorist attacks. Following the interview, the journalists requested and were granted clear and unrestricted permission by the administrator to film damaged infrastructure, including the District Government offices and the official residence of the administrator.
However, upon arriving at the administrator’s residence—currently occupied by the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR)—the team was stopped by approximately five officers, both in uniform and plain clothes. The journalists informed the officers that they had received administrative authorisation to record footage, while also acknowledging that filming could only proceed with the consent of the military personnel present and on condition that they would not be filmed.
The UIR agents responded that they could not grant permission without prior approval from their superior, who was not immediately available. After a prolonged wait and with time running out, the journalists abandoned the filming plans and resumed their journey.
Shortly before leaving the town, a man in plain clothes—allegedly a member of the Mozambican Defence Forces—signalled for a lift. When the journalists did not stop, the man took a photograph of the vehicle’s number plate.
Approximately 70 kilometres away, in Miangaleua, the journalists were intercepted again by a contingent of Defence Forces, who ordered them out of the vehicle, seized their identification documents, lined them up, and photographed them. Some of their work equipment was temporarily confiscated without any warrant or legal justification.
The journalists were then forced to return to Macomia, where they were subjected to interrogation and psychological pressure by FDS members, who questioned the purpose of their trip. After two hours of questioning, during which no wrongdoing was established, the journalists were eventually allowed to continue their mission.
MISA Mozambique, according to an appeal that African Times has seen, has described the incident as an alarming example of undemocratic behaviour by state agents towards journalists—clearly identified and lawfully carrying out their public duty—who were subjected to intimidation, public humiliation, psychological torture, and equipment seizure.
The organisation has called on the Ministry of National Defence to urgently investigate and publicly clarify the legal and operational basis for the interception and treatment of the journalists. MISA is also demanding assurances that such actions will not be repeated.
“We count on Your Excellency’s cooperation in restoring legality and upholding the constitutional principles that govern press freedom and the protection of human rights in Mozambique,” MISA Mozambique stated in its appeal.
