Violence Against Opposition Supporters Escalates in Mozambique

The Mozambican NGO “Decide” has reported the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, in Inhambane. This incident raises the total number of Mondlane supporters killed to 13, amidst ongoing violence against the opposition. The police have not yet commented on these incidents, heightening concerns for the safety of political activists.

The Mozambican NGO, the “Decide” Electoral Platform, has recently reported the murder of yet another supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate. The victim, identified as Leão de Deus, was abducted and subsequently killed in the Chissibuca region of the Zavala district, located in the Inhambane province. Reports from “Decide” indicate that the victim was known for his staunch support of Mondlane’s political movement.

This tragic incident adds to a disturbing trend, as the “Decide” Electoral Platform states that the number of Mondlane supporters killed by death squads has now reached a total of 13. Just last week, two Mondlane supporters were shot dead in Massinga district, raising concerns regarding the safety of opposition members in Mozambique.

Notably, on October 19 of the preceding year, Elvino Dias, a lawyer for Mondlane, and Paulo Guambe, an election agent for the Podemos party, were also murdered in a densely populated area of central Maputo, yet no suspects have been arrested in connection to these incidents. Just prior to Leão de Deus’s murder, João de Deus Nhachengo faced a similar fate, highlighting an alarming pattern of violence targeting opposition supporters in the region.

The total number of opposition members killed post-election has now escalated to 14, underscoring the increasing climate of fear and violence permeating the political landscape in Mozambique, particularly against those associated with the opposition. The Mozambican police have not yet provided any comment regarding these ongoing murders, creating further uncertainty regarding the safety of political activists.

In conclusion, the murder of Leão de Deus marks yet another unfortunate event in a series of violent attacks against supporters of Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique. With the total number of opposition members killed rising to 14, there is increasing concern over the safety of political dissenters. The lack of police response and accountability adds to the climate of fear dominating the political discourse in the country.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com