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Venâncio Mondlane, the leading opposition figure in Mozambique, narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt while seeking asylum in South Africa following last month’s fiercely contested presidential elections. Mondlane, who finished as the runner-up, revealed the harrowing ordeal in a Facebook video Monday, sparking widespread concern both domestically and internationally.
Mondlane, who fled to Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton district, described being pursued by assailants who targeted his residence. In the video, he recounted how he had to make a desperate escape through the back door of his home, racing through a local hair salon with his wife and young daughter in tow. “I was with my wife and my daughter, running from one place to another,” Mondlane said, visibly shaken.
The Mozambican elections, held last month, saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner with over 71% of the vote, while Mondlane secured approximately 20%. The results have been marred by accusations of fraud and irregularities, leading Mondlane and his supporters to challenge the outcome vigorously. This dispute has plunged Mozambique into political turmoil, marked by violent protests, clashes with security forces, and a nationwide general strike called by Mondlane.
Tragically, Mondlane’s plight intensified two weeks prior when his aide and lawyer were assassinated while preparing legal challenges against the election results. This loss forced Mondlane to go into hiding before the official announcement of the election outcome, fearing for his life as reports emerged that his home was surrounded by security forces.
Since seeking refuge in South Africa, Mondlane has called for continued resistance against what he and his party, Podemos, deem a fraudulent election. He has been urging his supporters to participate in a “final march” scheduled for Thursday in Maputo, aiming to galvanize nationwide demonstrations despite the government’s efforts to quell dissent. These protests have already resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of three children in Maputo and eight individuals in the northern province of Nampula over the past weekend.
The unrest has extended beyond violent clashes, with the government imposing restrictions on internet access and social media to control the flow of information and quell the growing dissent. In Nampula, tensions escalated when demonstrators attacked two Frelimo offices, leading to a violent response from the police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, resulting in at least one death. Additionally, protesters set fire to the residence of a police officer accused of killing a demonstrator, highlighting the deep-seated anger and frustration among the populace.
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