Mozambique presidential runner-up escapes alleged assassination attempt

Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader and presidential runner-up in Mozambique’s controversial elections, has claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while in South Africa. Mondlane, who fled to Johannesburg following his challenge to the disputed election results, says attackers tried to kill him in what he describes as a “mortal danger” situation.

In a Facebook video shared with his supporters, Mondlane recounted how armed assailants came to his residence to kill him. He said he was forced to escape through the back door of his home, running through a hair salon while carrying his belongings, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Mondlane did not provide any concrete evidence to support his claims, and Mozambican authorities have yet to comment on the alleged attack.

The political turmoil surrounding Mondlane escalated after the election results were announced. His challenger, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, was declared the winner with 71% of the vote, a result Mondlane and his supporters have called fraudulent. Mondlane received only 20% of the vote, sparking widespread allegations of election manipulation. In the wake of the announcement, Mondlane’s legal aide and lawyer were killed, further heightening fears for his safety. He went into hiding shortly after the deaths, and his situation has since captured international attention.

A Perilous Situation in South Africa

While Mondlane did not specify the exact location of the alleged assassination attempt, he stated that he had been staying in Johannesburg’s Sandton neighborhood, a wealthy area known for its luxury hotels and residential properties. In his video, he described the chaos of the escape, emphasizing that he and his family had been running from one place to another in fear for their lives.

Mondlane’s claims have raised concerns in both Mozambique and South Africa, but South African authorities appear unaware of the situation. South Africa’s foreign ministry told AFP that they were not aware Mondlane was in the country, and they suggested that the incident should have been reported to local police. The South African police, when contacted by BBC News, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mondlane has yet to release further details about the incident, including whether he has informed South African authorities of the alleged assassination attempt. His continued safety remains a major concern as he continues to seek refuge in South Africa, while also remaining vocal about the ongoing political crisis in Mozambique.

Political Unrest and Calls for Protests

Mondlane has become a symbol of defiance for those who contest the legitimacy of the recent election, which has been marred by allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and a lack of transparency. The leader of the opposition party Podemos, Mondlane has called for national protests in response to the election outcome. These demonstrations have quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and the police, leading to a tragic loss of life.

In the past week, reports have emerged of police opening fire on demonstrators. On Monday, three children were reportedly shot and killed by police in Maputo, the capital, while eight people were killed over the weekend in the northern province of Nampula. The unrest has also spread to the Frelimo party offices, which were attacked by protesters. In response, police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, resulting in the death of at least one protester. The violence has sparked further fury, with demonstrators setting fire to the house of a police officer who they accuse of being responsible for the death of one of their own.

The situation has grown increasingly dire, with the government attempting to suppress protests through internet blackouts and the restriction of social media access. Despite these efforts, Mondlane has remained steadfast, calling for a “final march” in Maputo on Thursday, marking the culmination of a seven-day strike he initiated. The general strike, which has seen wide participation, has been met with resistance from the government, which has urged citizens to return to work.

Escalating Tensions and International Scrutiny

The political crisis in Mozambique has garnered growing international scrutiny, as the violence continues to spiral. With Mondlane now living in exile in South Africa, many fear for his safety and the broader implications for Mozambique’s future. The country’s already fragile political landscape is becoming more volatile, as Mondlane’s supporters and the opposition push back against what they perceive as a rigged election process.

Mondlane’s call for mass protests and his continued advocacy for justice in Mozambique have made him a rallying point for those disillusioned with the current regime. As the unrest continues, the international community is watching closely, hoping that the situation can be resolved peacefully. However, with no clear resolution in sight and tensions rising, it remains to be seen how Mozambique will move forward from this deeply divisive period in its history.

For now, Mondlane’s survival in South Africa is the latest twist in a political drama that shows no signs of abating. His next steps, as well as those of his supporters in Mozambique, could shape the future of the country’s political landscape for years to come.