Venâncio Mondlane announced today that he has returned to the Mozambican Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to formally complain of political persecution. The politician presented a report documenting 56 deaths and 436 instances of “extreme violence” directed at members of his party.
“We submitted an updated report and complaint to the prosecution, detailing 436 cases of extreme violence against this party,” said Mondlane, president of the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola), during a live broadcast on his Facebook page.
The submission, which updates a previous complaint filed on Wednesday, includes allegations of attempted assassinations, the burning of homes, and the targeted killing of Anamola members. Mondlane specifically highlighted the following figures:
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Death Toll: 56 assassinations, including the recent killing of Anselmo Vicente.
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Property Damage: 50 houses set on fire in the Moatize district, Tete province.
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Recent Victims: Five people killed in the Mocubela district, Zambézia, during the month of April.
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The latest high-profile incident occurred last Saturday night, when Anselmo Vicente, the party’s coordinator in Chimoio, was fatally shot while returning from a party meeting. Local police confirmed the crime, noting that he was accompanied by another party member at the time.
As part of a three-day period of mourning that began on Tuesday, Mondlane called on Mozambicans to engage in a synchronized protest tonight. He urged citizens to beat pans, honk horns, and make as much noise as possible for 30 minutes.
“These are the 30 minutes for you to demonstrate your repudiation, your revolt at what this country has become,” Mondlane declared.
The protest aims to honor victims of political violence, as well as police officers, doctors, and families affected by post-election demonstrations and the ongoing wave of kidnappings in the country.
Venâncio Mondlane, the runner-up in the October 2024 presidential elections, has consistently refused to recognize the victory of Daniel Chapo (Frelimo), who was inaugurated in January 2025.
Read more: Mozambique: Mondlane criticizes decision to repay IMF debt
Following the election, Mondlane led five months of intense street protests and civil unrest that resulted in over 400 deaths, primarily due to clashes with police.
Although a meeting between Mondlane and President Chapo in March brought a temporary end to the widespread street violence, the recent targeted killings of Anamola leadership suggest that underlying political tensions remain dangerously high in Mozambique.
