Mozambique’s main opposition figure, Venancio Mondlane, has been slammed with five criminal charges, including incitement to terrorism, following months of post-election unrest.
Mondlane, a vocal critic of the ruling FRELIMO party, claims the charges are politically motivated.
He accuses the government of targeting him for exposing what he describes as “massive electoral fraud” during the October 9 general elections, which brought President Daniel Chapo to power.
Following the disputed polls, Mondlane led widespread protests that swept across the country, resulting in violent clashes.
At least 400 people were killed and over 600 injured, reportedly due to heavy-handed police response. As a result, 31 police officers are now facing trial over their alleged involvement in the violence.
Despite the legal battle ahead, Mondlane says he enters court with a clear conscience and backing from an international legal team.
He also accused the Chapo administration of breaching a peace deal both sides had signed in March—a pact that had offered a glimmer of hope, ushering in key reforms and the adoption of a national reconciliation law in April.
However, rising tensions are threatening to derail that progress, raising concerns about the future of democracy in Mozambique.
