Venâncio Mondlane, Mozambique’s opposition leader, claimed he escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa after disputing the election results. He reported his flight from armed intruders while with family members. Mondlane has been in hiding following the deaths of his aides and is rallying protests against the controversial election, leading to violent clashes with police and calls for justice amid a backdrop of insecurity.
Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader and runner-up in Mozambique’s recent presidential election, reported an alleged assassination attempt while seeking refuge in South Africa. In a recorded statement on Facebook, he articulated his fears, stating he was in “mortal danger” when intruders accessed his residence with the intent to kill him. To escape, he recounted needing to flee through the back of his home, navigating his way through a hair salon while carrying his belongings along with his wife and daughter. After the election, which saw the ruling party Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, declared the winner with over 71% of the votes compared to Mondlane’s 20%, tensions escalated. Mondlane, fearing for his safety following the fatal attacks on his aide and lawyer, went into hiding shortly before the election results were announced. He encouraged peaceful demonstrations against the controversial election results, which are being legally contested by his support group, the Podemos party. His calls for protests have led to violent confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities. The South African foreign ministry acknowledged ignorance of Mondlane’s presence in the country, emphasizing that matters of safety should be reported to local police authorities. Despite the escalating violence and restricted access to the internet and social media, Mondlane has continued to urge mass mobilization, announcing a planned “final march” for Thursday following a week of protests that he organized. Reports indicate severe clashes between police and demonstrators, with several fatalities and injuries reported across various regions of Mozambique. Mondlane remains an outspoken figure advocating for transparency and justice in the electoral process, continuing to call upon citizens to unite against perceived injustices.
The political landscape in Mozambique has been fraught with tension following the recent presidential election, which was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and violence. Venâncio Mondlane’s challenge against the election results has incited significant unrest, as public demonstrations have become increasingly violent, particularly in the face of a crackdown by police. The assassination attempts against political figures in Mozambique underline the volatility of the nation’s political environment and the risks faced by opposition leaders. With a disputed election outcome and calls for nationwide protests, Mondlane’s situation is emblematic of the broader struggle for political reform and accountability in Mozambique.
In summary, the alleged assassination attempt on Venâncio Mondlane highlights the perilous state of dissent in Mozambique following a contentious election. The opposition leader’s appeal for public demonstrations in response to election grievances illustrates a critical moment in Mozambique’s political landscape, marked by a violent crackdown on civil liberties and significant unrest. The situation calls for urgent attention to ensure the safety and rights of political figures and citizens alike in Mozambique’s ongoing quest for democratic integrity.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
