Political Tensions in Mozambique: Mondlane’s Summons and Subsequent Riots

Venâncio Mondlane has been summoned by the Mozambican Attorney General’s Office regarding post-election riots but has chosen to ignore the summons, citing safety concerns after a police attack on his convoy. The attack led to widespread riots in Maputo and Matola, coinciding with a political dialogue ceremony involving President Chapo, creating a narrative of political unrest and authority challenges.

The Mozambican Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has summoned former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane to appear before them next Monday regarding a criminal case connected to post-election riots. However, Mondlane intends to disregard this notification, as he is currently in hiding. His legal advisor, Dinis Tivane, confirmed the receipt of the PGR notification, citing protection concerns following a police attack on Mondlane’s motorcade, perceived by his supporters as an assassination attempt.

Mondlane’s advisors assert that he was unharmed during this incident but have chosen not to disclose his current location, with unverified reports suggesting that he may have fled to South Africa. Meanwhile, police spokesperson Leonel Muchina refuted allegations of an assassination attempt, stating that the police were merely dispersing Mondlane’s supporters. This had been captured on camera, displaying riot police using tear gas and opening fire on Mondlane’s vehicle.

Muchina also dismissed claims that two children were killed during the altercation, while independent observers confirmed at least 16 injuries. In response to the news of the attack, unrest erupted in Maputo and the neighboring city of Matola, leading to significant disturbances, particularly on Wednesday night and Thursday morning in the Patrice Lumumba neighborhood.

According to the independent publication “Carta de Mocambique,” rioters obstructed traffic by erecting barricades and burning tires. In addition, rail traffic was severely disrupted as no trains ran between Matola and central Maputo. The absence of public transport forced residents to either walk to work or stay home.

This unrest coincided with a ceremony in Maputo where President Daniel Chapo and nine political parties were engaged in signing a commitment to foster national dialogue. The timing of the police attack on Mondlane, a prominent political figure, appears to directly challenge Chapo’s authority and has been leveraged by his political opponents as a significant propaganda advantage.

Venâncio Mondlane’s refusal to comply with the PGR summons highlights serious tensions following the police attack on his motorcade. The subsequent riots in Maputo and Matola underscore the significant public unrest in response to perceived political violence. The simultaneous occurrence of these events poses a direct challenge to President Chapo’s governance and commitment to national dialogue, raising concerns regarding stability and authority within Mozambique.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com