Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has officially been charged with five criminal counts, including inciting and promoting terrorism, amid growing tensions following the country’s disputed 2023 elections.
Speaking to reporters outside the Attorney General’s office in Maputo, Mondlane confirmed the charges, which also include promoting collective disobedience and criminal acts. “Now that the charges are official, we welcome the chance to defend ourselves in court instead of living under judicial secrecy,” he said.
Mondlane, a prominent figure in post-election protests, has consistently accused the ruling Frelimo party of rigging the October 2023 polls, which sparked widespread demonstrations and violent crackdowns that left an estimated 400 people dead.
Despite a March meeting with President Daniel Chapo aimed at easing tensions, Mondlane said the government continues to target him and his supporters. “The prosecutor’s office is being used as a weapon of political persecution,” he stated.
Mondlane recently returned from a European tour where he warned of a potential arrest. Although not detained upon arrival, he was followed by a heavy police convoy through Maputo, reinforcing concerns over his safety and political freedom.
Civil society groups and international observers continue to express alarm over alleged electoral fraud, repression of dissent, and the deteriorating human rights situation in Mozambique.
Mondlane maintains that he was the rightful winner of the election and vowed to continue resisting what he calls a “fraudulent regime.”