Former Presidential Candidate Accuses Frelimo of Assassination Attempts
Former Mozambican presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane accused the ruling Frelimo Party of attempting multiple assassination attempts on his life, citing five failures. He detailed a recent shooting by police that wounded his cameraman and criticized political violence against his supporters. Mondlane describes his interrogation by authorities as intimidation, while his treasurer was detained, highlighting increasing threats in the political environment.
In Mozambique, former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has reiterated allegations against the ruling Frelimo Party, claiming they have made multiple assassination attempts against him. In an interview with the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast, Mondlane detailed five failed assassination attempts, the most recent occurring on March 5, wherein members of the Rapid Intervention Unit reportedly fired upon his motorcade in Xiquelene, Maputo.
According to police, their actions were intended to disperse a crowd of Mondlane’s supporters; however, Mondlane asserts that he was the actual target. “Right now, Frelimo doesn’t even dare hold a parade, because nobody would attend,” he remarked. He expressed grave concerns about his safety, stating, “They were real bullets, murderous bullets.” He indicated that his cameraman was struck by gunfire just behind him during the incident.
Mondlane further accused the police of having killed over 400 of his supporters since October, attributing these actions to Frelimo’s alleged “political intolerance and anti-democratic practices.” He asserted that an interrogation he faced at the Attorney-General’s Office was aimed at intimidating him, as no specific charges were disclosed, allowing him to leave without formal accusations.
Additionally, he reported that his treasurer, Gloria Nobre, was arrested on the same day of his interrogation, while his spokesperson, Denis Tivane, faces a summons from the Central Office for the Fight against Organised Crime. These developments suggest a climate of intimidation surrounding his political activities and those affiliated with him.
Venâncio Mondlane’s accusations against Frelimo highlight ongoing tensions in Mozambique’s political landscape. He alleges targeted assassination attempts, significant violence against his supporters, and intimidation tactics employed by the state. These claims reflect deep concerns regarding political repression and the current ruling party’s tactics to maintain control, necessitating scrutiny from both national and international observers.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
