Mozambique Opposition Leader Alleges Assassination Attempt Amid Election Dispute and Unrest
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, claims he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa after disputing Mozambique’s October 9 election results, which declared Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo as president with over 70% of the vote.
Mondlane asserts he won and has been calling for protests, including a planned nationwide demonstration this Thursday, dubbed “the day of Mozambique’s freedom.”
Tensions have escalated, with protests leading to police violence that has killed at least 10 people and injured over 70.
Mozambique’s Center for Public Integrity calls the election the country’s most fraudulent in 25 years, and Human Rights Watch urges investigation into alleged police brutality.
Rwanda’s Defence Force denies involvement in quelling Mozambique protests, with officials affirming their mission is strictly in Cabo Delgado province, countering claims from Mondlane’s supporters that Rwandan forces aided Maputo’s security efforts.
