Political Violence in Mozambique: Tragic Murders of Mondlane Supporters
Two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane were killed in Inhambane, increasing the death toll of his supporters to 13. The Mozambican police have not responded to these murders. Following an attack on Mondlane’s motorcade in Maputo, there are rising concerns about political violence in Mozambique. Mondlane is expected to return to face legal proceedings despite the recent threats to his safety.
On Saturday, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were murdered in Massinga district, located in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. The victims, Daniel Guambe, aged 28, and Rafito Sitoe, aged 21, were shot while inside a vehicle by unidentified assailants who remain at large. This incident has raised the death toll of Mondlane’s supporters killed by violent groups to 13, according to the NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform.
The NGO’s statement highlighted the personal tragedies of the victims, noting that Guambe left behind a wife and two young children, including a four-month-old daughter. Similarly, Sitoe had recently become a father. The Mozambican police have not issued any statements regarding the murders, raising concerns about the lack of accountability.
Following the violence in Massinga, disturbances erupted in Maputo when the Rapid Intervention Unit attacked Mondlane’s motorcade, injuring 16 individuals. Initial reports suggested possible fatalities, including two children, but police denied these claims. Past incidents of violence against Mondlane’s supporters, such as the murders of his lawyer and an election agent in 2022, highlight ongoing concerns of political violence in Mozambique.
Amidst the chaos, rumors circulated that Mondlane had fled the country; however, it was confirmed that he traveled to Botswana for a meeting with former Botswana President Ian Khama. Mondlane is expected to return to Maputo to face a summons from the Attorney-General’s Office, although his legal advisor indicated he may not comply due to the recent police attack on his entourage.
The murder of two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique underscores the escalating violence against political opponents. With a total of 13 supporters killed, the situation calls for immediate attention from authorities to ensure accountability and safeguard the safety of political participants. The ongoing turmoil in Maputo and the police’s aggressive response to Mondlane’s motorcade further illustrate the precarious political climate in the country.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
