Mondlane denounces “authoritarian regime” in Mozambique – AIM report | Watch

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Mondlane denounces “authoritarian regime” in Mozambique – AIM report | Watch

7:00 CAT | 29 May 2025

Screen grab: Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF)

Mozambique’s former presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, on Monday told the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF), meeting in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday that Mozambique is ruled by “an authoritarian regime that suppresses citizens’ rights and carries out executions of opposition figures”.

This harsh language was in sharp contrast to the conciliatory speeches made by Mondlane in his two recent meetings in Maputo with President Daniel Chapo.

Cited by the independent electronic daily “Mozambique Times”, Mondlane mentioned in particular the murders on 19 October last year of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and an election agent of the Podemos party, Paulo Guambe. He cited these assassinations, occurring just ten days after the 2024 general elections “as an example of politically motivated executions carried out by the regime”.

“They were ambushed inside their vehicle and shot 25 times. They died on the spot. It wasn’t an accident. It was a political execution,” he said.

The murders occurred while Chapo’s predecessor, Filipe Nyusi, was still in power. Nyusi promised a thorough investigation but, although the crimes took place in a densely populated part of Maputo, with a heavy police presence, no suspects have been arrested, and there is no sign of any serious investigation.

Mondlane also claimed, for the first time, that he had survived four assassination attempts and was forced into exile for three months due to the alleged threats to his physical safety.

Mondlane called for international solidarity with the Mozambican people and urged stronger action from the international community against corruption and in defence of democracy in Mozambique. “Mozambique needs help to restore human rights, ensure transparency in the management of public resources, and reclaim democratic values,” he declared.

During his speech, Mondlane also announced the creation of the ANAMALALA political party, which is still awaiting formal approval by the Mozambican authorities. According to him, this party represents a break from the current political system, which he described as exhausted and compromised by corruption.

Anamalala is an acronym standing for “National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique”. But it is also a word in the Makua language meaning “it’s going to finish” – and the “it” in question is the political system led by the ruling Frelimo Party.

Mondlane submitted the requisite paperwork weeks ago to establish Anamalala as a legally recognised political party.

He told the Oslo Forum that Anamalala “needs your help for this party because so far it is the only voice in Mozambique that still resists, faced with an oppressive regime which has grabbed everything”.

READ: Mozambique: Mondlane asks for international support at Oslo meeting – Watch

Source: AIM / Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF)