The Mozambican PGR has summoned former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane amid unrest following a police attack on his motorcade. Mondlane is in hiding, refusing to attend the hearing, and rioting has erupted in response. The situation challenges President Chapo’s authority as it coincides with a call for national dialogue.
The Mozambican Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has summoned former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane to appear next Monday regarding a criminal case tied to post-election riots. Mondlane, however, indicated he would not comply, as he is reportedly in hiding following a police attack on his motorcade, interpreted by his supporters as an assassination attempt.
Dinis Tivane, Mondlane’s legal advisor, confirmed that they received the PGR notification but said Mondlane would not appear due to his current circumstances. Although advisers claim he was not harmed during the attack, they have not disclosed his location, with unverified reports suggesting he may have fled to South Africa.
Police spokesperson Leonel Muchina stated Thursday that there was no assassination attempt; police aimed to disperse Mondlane’s supporters. However, footage revealed riot police deploying tear gas and firing upon Mondlane’s motorcade, leading to injuries among at least 16 individuals, despite denials of fatalities by authorities.
The unrest following the supposed attempt on Mondlane’s life incited rioting across Maputo and Matola, particularly in the Patrice Lumumba neighborhood. Rioters erected barricades, burnt tires, and halted transportation. With buses and trains paralyzed, residents resorted to walking to work or remained home.
Interestingly, this chaos unfolded simultaneously with a governmental ceremony promoting an “inclusive national dialogue” attended by President Daniel Chapo and nine political parties. This incident posed a significant challenge to Chapo’s authority, coinciding with his efforts to advocate for reconciliation amidst rising opposition sentiments.
In conclusion, the summons of Venâncio Mondlane by the PGR has sparked significant unrest and controversy in Mozambique. Mondlane’s refusal to appear, alongside claims of a police assault on his motorcade, incited rioting and disrupted transportation in the affected cities. The timing of this conflict, coinciding with an official commitment to dialogue by President Chapo, raises critical questions about authority and governance in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
