The youth community in Mozambique has been using protest tools to break political silence against freedom of expression
First published Global Voices
A group of people attending a peaceful protest. One of them is a microphone and a banner. PhotoA: It's a good idea. Nigeria. Cox From Pexals License Used with permission.
In Mozambique, freedom of expression is legally recognized. The country's constitution published by Jehovah's Witnesses. This right has been confirmed. Besides Information Rights Law, 2014 (law No. 34/2014)( See opening picture.) But in reality many young people are still at risk of speaking openly about corruption, discrimination, police torture or administration. The gap between democracy's commitment and daily experiences is evident here.
This contrast is especially evident in the music world. In the past two decades. hip-hop. Social discontent and protest has become a key tool for urban youth groups. Especially the capital. In Maputo.( See opening picture.) hip-hop is not just a song; it is a generation of experience and concern that is about political democracy in the early 90s. The Beginning of Social Politics On the other hand, they had to grow up with high unemployment, economic inequality and governance. Frelimo The group-led government institutions are among the increasingly insensitative.
The song's words show the experience GPR- Like music. Azagana- Like artists share their experiences with ordinary people and organizations. Azargare 'Oh, that's Sekso. note: The question of the song is still relevant: portion of expression in this country? Rather, the real and political situation is a reflection of what you can talk about, what to say, and the consequences for him.
The New Way to Citizen Action
The youth society in Mozambique is changing the common sense of political participation. It's a long time for citizens to speak out for a long time. It was meant to be connected to government organizations. But now it's a wide range. Women's Forum Like feminist organizations, Digital platform to monitor local administration activitiesIn addition to cultural organizations and artistic initiatives, young people share their opinions and demands. This change identifies a generation that does not want politics to be restricted to elections. They also want to have regular participation in the process of developing public toilets.
However, these new ways of participation often conflict with the administration. Many authorities still consider the protest a threat to public order. One of the outstanding examples of 2016. That year at Public School Ban on wearing short skirts feminist organizations took to the streets to protest. The move was made to stop sexual harassment. In fact, the students' clothing is effectively blamed for harassment.
This trend to blame the criminals is a deeper question: whether the female body will be controlled and the young women will be able to define themselves. Spain for taking part in the protest Rights activist Eva Anadoon Moreno Arrested. He was also expelled from Mozambique.
Silence is a political position
In recent years, censorship in Mozambique is not usually seen as a direct ban. But that doesn't mean that there is no tendency to be afraid or to force its own speech. In an interview in 2010. The biggest obstacle to freedom of expression in Mozambique is not always the police's direct threat, but economic uncertainty. Because many employment opportunities depend on the relationship between the ruling influential royals. So there is a fear of losing the job or other danger when it comes to public criticism.
That's how "the economy of silence" is created. Journalists avoid certain topics, artists speak out, government officials refrain from expressing opinions. Young rights activists also learned that it can cost a lot to talk. Freedom of expression and legal rights are not only questions, but questions of survival. In such circumstances, the importance of singing is growing. The music breaks the silence of the people, speaks of injustice and gives people the courage to stand next to each other.
Is freedom of expression just a mirage?
The right to express and express each citizen's opinion is accepted in Mozambique's constitution. But democracy is not just about what is written in the Constitution. It is equally important how people can make such a right in security. This is what Faraque creates a mirage. Citizens are told to speak freely. However, it is controlled who can participate in the informal public sector in an informal way that allows surveillance, socially cursed and deprived of opportunities. Not all voices need to be shut down straight; the value of dissent is enough. An example was mentioned The increase of telecommunication services compared with real spending( See opening picture.)
The same conflict between young people's active role in this situation. They have long brought voices to the marginalized people's voices, reaching more people. But the risk of being afraid of an artist, rights worker or youth organization that unites more people than they can gather, is also growing in the risk of spreading information, or isolation in economic ways.
Be Strong the Voice of Youth
Despite all the obstacles, the youth generation in Mozambique has created new ways of political hope. Through art, music and digital, citizenship is not just legality. The everyday participation, the courage to stand up against new issues and injustice, is practiced by citizenship. The real challenge to defend freedom of expression in Mozambique is not limited to writing this right in the constitution. It is important to create an environment where everyone can express himself without fear of economic, social or political vengeance. So the main question in Mozambique is not only whether young people can speak out; the question is whether they can speak without being threatened by security, employment or public participation.
