Mondlane faces terrorism rap as Chapo goes back on his word

The development comes despite meetings between the opposition leader and President Daniel Chapo, which had suggested a thawing in Mozambique’s post-election wrangling.

Luis Nhachote in Maputo

Resistance: Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane says President Chapo has reneged on agreements. (Photo: Alfredo Zuniga/AFP)

Mozambican prosecutors confirmed this week that opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane will be tried for five criminal offences, including incitement to terrorism, over his role in last year’s post-election protests in Mozambique. The development comes despite meetings between Mondlane and President Daniel Chapo, which had suggested a thawing in Mozambique’s post-election wrangling.

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Mondlane has accused the attorney general’s office of being used as a tool for political persecution. “I’m ready for any eventuality; there is nothing greater than my god-given capacity to resist,” he told The Continent.

When he went to the attorney general’s office to receive the charge sheet on Tuesday, police closed traffic along the only road leading to the building and dozens of officers were deployed with riot gear, including a water cannon.

The escalation came a day after Mondlane returned from a trip to Europe. Amid heavy policing, supporters welcomed him at the airport and lined the streets to central Maputo. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The government has denied interfering in the case. “The president of the republic is not in command over the judiciary,” said Inocêncio Impissa, spokesperson for the Council of Ministers.

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Mozambique has faced unrest since the disputed October elections, in which Mondlane rejected the victory of Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate. Protests and strikes followed, leading to clashes in which scores of people are reported to have been killed.

Mondlane accuses Chapo of failing to honour their agreements, which included compensation for victims’ families, medical access for the injured, the release of detainees, and assistance in registering Mondlane’s new party.