Mozambique: Venâncio Mondlane accused of ’conspiracy’ amid election disputes

The president of the Democratic Revolution (RD) party, Vitano Singano, along with prominent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, faces allegations of "conspiracy to violently alter the rule of law," according to the Mozambican Public Prosecutor’s Office (PGR).

The charges stem from an ongoing criminal investigation handled by the Central Office for Combating Organized and Transnational Crime (GCCCOT).

Allegations of a Coordinated Plot

The PGR asserts that Singano and a group of co-conspirators, including unnamed members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and political allies, orchestrated a plan involving the recruitment of individuals with military experience.

This alleged operation aimed to mobilize attacks on military and police units, sabotage Mozambique’s National Highway Number 1 (N1) using explosives, and disrupt security forces’ responses from the central and northern regions of the country.

The plan culminated in a purported plot to attack Ponta Vermelha, the official residence of Mozambique’s President, during a large-scale demonstration on November 7, 2024.

The demonstration, led by Mondlane, was part of ongoing protests against the October 9 general election results, which Mondlane has refused to recognize.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Three suspects have been detained in connection with the case. Singano, leader of the RD—a party formed by former Renamo dissidents—has been remanded in custody pending trial.

Another defendant has been released on bail, while a third is under provisional release with a Term of Identity and Residence (TIR), requiring regular reporting to authorities.

Mondlane, meanwhile, remains at large but is listed as a defendant in the case.

Escalating Election Tensions

The allegations come amid heightened tensions following Mozambique’s contested general elections.

According to the National Electoral Commission (CNE), ruling Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo secured 70.67% of the vote, while Mondlane, his closest challenger, garnered 20.32%.

Mondlane has denounced the results, prompting mass protests and nationwide strikes.

Between November 13 and 17, protests erupted across at least five provinces, resulting in the deaths of 25 people and injuries to 26 others, as reported by the Decide electoral platform.

Security forces responded to demonstrations with arrests, gunfire, and tear gas. A total of 135 individuals, most from Zambézia province, have been detained in connection with the unrest.

Continued Unrest and Uncertainty

Mondlane’s refusal to concede has fueled ongoing demonstrations, including a seven-day general strike from October 31 and the chaotic November 7 protests in Maputo, marked by roadblocks, burning tyres, and violent confrontations with police.

The Constitutional Council, responsible for validating the election results, has yet to issue its ruling, leaving Mozambique in a state of political uncertainty.

As the legal and political battles unfold, the country braces for further disruptions in its quest for stability