- 14 opposition supporters killed since the start of the post-election crisis
- Violence against opposition figures is a historical pattern in Mozambique
By Sheila Nhancale
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - The killings of opposition members remain a stark reality under Daniel Chapo’s government. On Saturday, Leão de Deus Nhachengo, a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, was found dead on the banks of a river in Zavala district, Inhambane. His body bore three gunshot wounds, following his disappearance in the early hours of the morning.
“He was known for supporting Venâncio Mondlane, although he had previously been a member of Renamo. He was taken by unidentified individuals and found dead this morning. His body had three fatal wounds and was discovered near a local river,” Wilker Dias, director of the DECIDE platform, told MOZTIMES.
“The situation is concerning. We are witnessing deaths and disappearances of opposition supporters, leading us to believe these acts are politically motivated,” Dias added.
Nhachengo’s murder is the latest in a series of killings targeting opposition members during Chapo’s government. On 9 March 2024, two members of the PODEMOS party, Daniel Ricardo Guambe and Rafito Sebastião Sitoe, were shot dead in Massinga, Inhambane.
Violence against opposition figures has long been a historical pattern in Mozambique. “Whenever a party or movement challenges the ruling party, a violent response follows. The aim is to eliminate leaders and intimidate other demonstrators,” sociologist João Feijó told MOZTIMES. He recalled the assassination of activists and the forced disappearance of journalist Arlindo Chissale, who was also a supporter of Venâncio Mondlane. “The government uses these tactics to dismantle the opposition,” Feijó added.
Journalist Fernando Lima, in an interview with MOZTIMES, pointed out that violence against opposition members is politically motivated. “It is no coincidence. There is a clear link between being in the opposition and being targeted for assassination. These cases require thorough investigation,” Lima stated, urging the Attorney-General’s Office to take a more decisive role.
Lima also called for greater action from civil society and international organisations, such as the United Nations, in combating political repression in Mozambique.
According to data from the DECIDE platform, 14 opposition members have been killed since December 2024. Additionally, between October 2024 and March 2025, more than 350 people were killed in post-election violence, including 38 deaths recorded between January and March 2025.
As Daniel Chapo’s government remains in power, impunity continues to be a critical issue in Mozambique, particularly regarding the killings and disappearances of political opponents. (SN)
