Mozambique Elections: Political analyst Alfazema says he is the target of death threats

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Mozambique Elections: Political analyst Alfazema says he is the target of death threats

1:30 CAT | 12 Nov 2024

CAPTION - Political analyst Dércio Alfazema abandoned his home for security reasons Photo: Arcénio Sebastião/DW

Mozambican political commentator Dércio Alfazema reports that he is the target of death threats by supporters of presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. In an interview with DW Africa, the analyst explains in detail what he believes to be the basis for these threats, conveyed through messages, including on social media. The criticism he made of presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane in an interview on Television of Mozambique (TVM), did not please the Podemos presidential candidate and his supporters.

Dércio Alfazema says he is on the run from his home for security reasons for this reason.

DW Africa: What is happening to you? What kind of threats are you receiving?

Dércio Alfazema (DA): We are witnessing the emergence of a politically intolerant group that acts with political extremism. It is Venâncio Mondlane’s group, which cannot be criticized, cannot be alluded to, cannot be talked about in terms of its fragility. They mobilize to attack the person’s image, to make direct and veiled threats. Even today, after an intervention I made on a live media outlet, I received an audio message with a clear death threat. And have also been messages posted on my personal account with direct death threats. And this is very much linked to the form of political extremism that has been characterizing Venâncio Mondlane’s actions. He has been passing on this idea and this way of doing politics to his supporters, directly or indirectly.

DW Africa: But what could have sparked this hatred towards you?

DA: Not just towards me. It seems that I am one of those people. And I am speaking now because this touched me, but I have seen other people go through this too. There are even people who say that their homes were surrounded by these supporters. People do not want anyone to talk about Venâncio Mondlane or to make a critical analysis pointing out his weaknesses. They immediately see that person as an enemy.

DW Africa: And do you feel that at this moment your rights and freedoms to express your feelings are limited?

DA: There is an interest in restricting the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. We can do this with other political players, but we cannot do this with Venâncio Mondlane. And the most worrying thing is not just his supporters, but when he himself also reacts negatively to criticism. I was on television two days ago and yesterday I received a very harsh message from Venâncio Mondlane. I did not respond out of respect and consideration [for him].

We are talking about someone who exercised his right to freedom of expression very well and with total freedom, as a political analyst, as a political activist, even as a politician. He questioned everyone, including the President of the Republic. So now he cannot be the one to promote a movement against it and even, directly or indirectly, encourage people to spread hatred towards all those who criticize him.

DW Africa: Do you feel threatened at this moment?

DA: Yes. I feel threatened. I even had to leave my house and take my family out of there so I could be in a safe place, because the threats are clear and direct. My address is posted on social media, on the Internet. There is one of Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters who thinks that he hides his name on Facebook and who says that I want to kill Venâncio Mondlane and, therefore, I should be killed too. But, clearly, this is not what will restrict my right to express myself freely and to continue doing my job, which is to look at the political and economic dynamics of society and portray it for society.

Source: Deutsche Welle