Political Violence in Mozambique: Murders of Mondlane Supporters Escalate Tensions
Two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane were murdered in Inhambane, raising the death toll to 13 due to political violence. Recent attacks have targeted Mondlane’s motorcade, resulting in injuries and chaotic confrontations. Amidst accusations of fleeing the country, Mondlane met a political ally in Botswana but plans to return to face legal challenges, complicating the ongoing tension.
On Saturday, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were tragically murdered in the Massinga district of Inhambane, Mozambique. The victims, identified as Daniel Guambe, 28, and Rafito Sitoe, 21, were shot inside a vehicle by assailants who remain unidentified. The Mozambican police have not yet provided any comments regarding this incident.
The NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform reported that these killings represent the increasing violence against Mondlane’s supporters, bringing the total number of fatalities attributed to death squads to 13. Both victims left behind young families; Guambe had a wife and two children, including a four-month-old daughter, while Sitoe had just welcomed a baby.
Further incidents of violence involve an assault on Mondlane’s motorcade by the Rapid Intervention Unit, which occurred in Maputo, resulting in injuries to 16 individuals. There were initial erroneous reports of child casualties, which the police later denied. Previous acts of violence included the murders of Mondlane’s attorney and an election agent, which remained unsolved despite occurring in a populated area.
In response to the escalating violence, suspicions arose that Mondlane fled to avoid further attacks; however, he traveled to Botswana to meet former President Ian Khama. Mondlane was scheduled to return to Maputo to attend an interrogation by the Attorney-General’s Office but has chosen to disregard the summons due to recent events.
The violence against Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters in Mozambique is alarming, as evidenced by the recent murders of two individuals and a history of attacks against his political following. The lack of police intervention and the unresolved murders highlight a dire need for accountability and justice within the country’s political landscape. Mondlane’s current situation raises concerns over his safety and the broader implications for political discourse in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
