Mozambique: Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane denounces assassination attempt
Venancio Mondlane claims to have escaped an attack in South Africa
Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane says he survived an assassination attempt while in South Africa, where he had sought refuge after Mozambique’s recent disputed elections. In a video broadcast live on social media on Sunday night, Mondlane recounted the incident, saying “assassins” had broken into his residence.
“When I was in South Africa, assassins were at my door to kill me,” he said. He said he fled in a hurry through the back door and took refuge in a hair salon in the Sandton area of Johannesburg with his family and a few belongings.
Growing political tension
Mondlane, who claims victory in the last presidential election and disputes the official results that gave power to FRELIMO, the ruling party for decades, has called for a seven-day general strike to protest what he says is massive electoral fraud. Since the results were announced, Mozambique has been gripped by protests, some of which have turned violent with demonstrators burning tires to express their discontent with what they see as an illegitimate regime.
Conclusion: A political situation under high tension
These revelations by Venancio Mondlane, who claims to have narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, illustrate the growing tensions in the Mozambican political landscape. As calls for mobilization multiply, this situation could worsen social unrest and put Mozambique’s stability to the test, highlighting the challenges to democracy in the country.
