– Opposition leader declares he will not accept any position in the Government
By Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Three people were shot dead, and an unknown number were injured in the centre of Maputo as Venâncio Mondlane returned to the country after two and a half months in exile.
The victims were hit in different locations—one early in the morning at Maputo International Airport and another in the Estrela Market area, the first destination Mondlane visited after leaving the airport.
Both victims were part of a large procession which, despite the heavy rain falling on Maputo since Wednesday afternoon, had gathered at Maputo International Airport from the early hours of the morning.
The thousands present, mostly young people, chanted, “Papa has arrived!”
At the airport, there were also hundreds of officers from the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM), particularly the Rapid Intervention Unit (the Mozambican equivalent of the riot police), responsible for the shots fired at the scene.
Heroes’ Square, located a few kilometres from the airport, was packed with thousands of young people who, singing, eagerly awaited the arrival of Mozambique’s main opposition leader.
Qatar Airways flight Q1375, arriving from Doha, was already expected to be slightly delayed. Meanwhile, outside the airport, the police used tear gas to disperse the thousands who had gathered.
Mondlane arrived at the airport wearing a blue suit, holding a Bible in his hand, and walking with confidence. Inside the airport, he was greeted with applause from the staff.
“Save Mozambique, Venâncio!” echoed throughout the airport.
At the departure lounge entrance, dozens of national and international journalists awaited statements from the second-most-voted candidate in the general elections of 9 October.
In an improvised press conference, Venâncio explained to the journalists the reasons for his return to the country. The first reason, he stated, was the notion that negotiations were impossible while he was outside the country.
“I am here, in the flesh, to say that if they want to negotiate, if they want to dialogue with me, if they want to sit at the table, I am here,” he declared.
While Venâncio Mondlane spoke, President Filipe Nyusi was meeting at the Presidential Palace with Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo secretary-general and president-elect; the Renamo President Ossufo Momade; Albino Forquilha, leader of PODEMOS (the party backing Mondlane); Lutero Simango, the MDM president; and Salomão Muchanga, president of Nova Democracia (New Democracy). Except for Muchanga, all have parliamentary seats. PODEMOS, however, will have its first parliamentary representation and will lead the opposition in the legislature beginning on 12 January.
Mondlane demanded that those in the Presidential Palace “stop perpetuating this narrative” that he was outside the country and therefore unavailable.
The second reason for his return was the selective killings carried out by death squads, which he referred to as “silent genocide.”
There are reports of at least five senior PODEMOS members assassinated by these squads.
“I am here to witness this, to monitor the process, visit mass graves, and advocate for these people who are being murdered,” he commented.
The third reason was his wish to face justice for the crimes he has been accused of.
“I am here to show that I am available to submit to justice, to defend myself, and to reveal the real culprits behind the heinous crimes committed to date,” he explained.
Mondlane stated that he wanted to remain in the country to experience both the good and bad times, “regardless of the associated risks.”
“I want to stay in this country, fight within this country, and will, to the very end, continue fighting to prevent precisely what has happened,” he added.
The PODEMOS candidate reiterated his rejection of the announced election results and his willingness to “fight for justice.” Furthermore, he stated he would never join a government based on “fraudulent, manipulated, and corrupt results.”
“I did not engage in this struggle to become a leader or to gain financial or material benefits. Even if dialogue leads some members of our movement to join the Government, I would never be one of them,” he declared.
Mondlane emphasised that his return to Mozambique was not the result of a political agreement, that his departure was not driven by fear of being killed, and that there was no falling out with the PODEMOS leadership.
Improvised Oath of Office
Following the interview, Venâncio Mondlane took an improvised oath on a Bible, symbolically assuming the office of President of Mozambique.
“I, Venâncio Mondlane, elected president of the Mozambican people—not by the Constitutional Council, not by the National Electoral Commission, but by the genuine will of the people—swear, on my honour, to serve the Mozambican homeland and its people,” he declared.
After his speech, Venâncio was escorted by several vehicles driven by his supporters to Estrela Market, where he delivered another speech under heavy police presence.
Moments later, live ammunition was fired, one bullet fatally hitting a young man in the head. Multiple tear gas canisters were also launched.
Venâncio interrupted his speech and was escorted to Joaquim Chissano Avenue, where Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, his lawyer and electoral representative respectively, had been assassinated on 19 October. (RD)
