The “Decide” Electoral Platform has denounced the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, in Inhambane, Mozambique. This incident adds to the alarming trend of violence against Mondlane’s supporters, with 13 known fatalities thus far. The Mozambican police remain silent on these murders, intensifying concerns over political violence in the country.
The Mozambican NGO, “Decide” Electoral Platform, has reported the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, in the Zavala district of Inhambane province. The individual was kidnapped on Saturday and subsequently shot in the Chissibuca region, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence against opposition supporters.
A statement from the NGO indicated that Leão de Deus was recognized for his dedicated support of Mondlane’s political movement. The rise in violence has escalated, with the deaths of Mondlane supporters now totaling 13. Last week, two other supporters were also killed in Massinga district.
The Mozambican police have not yet provided any commentary on these ongoing incidents. Past tragic events include the murders of Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, an election agent for the Podemos party, occurring in central Maputo in October. These incidents have gone unsolved despite their occurrence in a heavily populated area.
Additionally, the violence has intensified; on March 15, João de Deus Nhachengo was kidnapped and killed, while Ivo Armando Nhantumbo, a 23-year-old leader of demonstrations in Inharrime, suffered a similarly violent fate. Cumulatively, these incidents bring the number of recorded opposition member killings to at least fourteen in a post-electoral context, raising alarm among observers of the political landscape in Mozambique.
The ongoing violence against supporters of Venâncio Mondlane highlights severe concerns regarding political safety in Mozambique, with recent incidents indicating a rise in targeted attacks. The NGO “Decide” continues to advocate for justice and accountability amid a backdrop of uninvestigated murders. As the number of fatalities rises, the calls for a stronger response from authorities become increasingly urgent, reflecting broader implications for democratic processes in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
