Mozambique’s Attorney-General’s Office on Tuesday formally charged opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane with incitement to terrorism, escalating political tensions that have simmered since last October’s disputed general elections.
Mondlane, who emerged as a prominent challenger to President Daniel Chapo, faces five criminal charges, including “public apology for crime”, incitement to collective disobedience, and public instigation to crime.
Speaking outside the Attorney-General’s Office, Mondlane denied all allegations, claiming his true offense was “tearing the veil from fraud and resisting a dictatorial regime.”
The charges come in the wake of months of unrest following the elections, which Mondlane and his supporters have consistently denounced as rigged.
Although Chapo was declared the winner, neither candidate has produced polling station results to substantiate their claims.
The Constitutional Council, Mozambique’s highest electoral authority, refused to order a recount and made unexplained alterations to vote tallies – actions that critics say contributed to the violence that followed.
Mondlane has positioned himself as a defiant voice against the ruling Frelimo party, leading mass protests and calling for systemic reform.
His movement gained traction among marginalised groups, particularly youth and informal workers, frustrated by corruption and inequality.
In March and May, Mondlane held two meetings with Chapo aimed at de-escalating tensions.
The proposed consensus included ending violence, ensuring medical access for injured demonstrators, compensating victims’ families and releasing detainees.
Mondlane also sought government support to register a new political party.
However, he accused Chapo of reneging on these commitments and continuing to use “aggressive and incendiary language” despite a lull in demonstrations.
JN/APA