Mozambique’s main opposition figure, Venancio Mondlane, revealed on Tuesday that he was interrogated for 10 hours by prosecutors without being informed of any formal charges against him.
Speaking to the media in Maputo, Mondlane, who contested the October election results, stated that he had been placed under judicial supervision, restricting his movements.
“Unfortunately, we spent all those hours without me being able to know what I was accused of,” Mondlane said. “I can’t move without notifying the prosecutor’s office, and I can’t leave my house for more than five days.”
The October election, widely criticized by international observer missions for alleged irregularities, sparked over two months of protests and blockades, resulting in more than 300 deaths.
Mondlane said prosecutors questioned him primarily about the demonstrations, allegations of incitement to violence, and economic disruptions. As he was being interrogated, his supporters gathered outside the building, but police dispersed them using tear gas, an AFP reporter witnessed.
Last week, security forces violently dispersed a march by Mondlane’s supporters, using live ammunition and injuring at least 14 people, according to local civil society group Plataforma Decide.
Mondlane recently broke away from the opposition Podemos party, which had backed his presidential bid. He has since launched a new party, the National Alliance for an Autonomous and Free Mozambique—nicknamed Anamalala, meaning “it’s over”, a slogan from the protest movement.
Official results declared President Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party the winner, securing 65% of the vote, while Mondlane finished second with 24%.
However, Mondlane insists he won with 53% of the vote and has rallied significant support, posing the first real challenge to Frelimo’s dominance since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
