– Event held this week in Norway brings together global figures known for challenging authoritarian regimes
By Sheila Nhancale
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Mozambican opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, is participating this week, from 26 to 28 May, in the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF), widely regarded as the world’s leading platform on freedoms and human rights.
Mondlane is the first Mozambican to participate in the event, which has been held annually since 2009. He is presented as the “legitimate winner of the October 2024 presidential elections,” the official results of which declared the FRELIMO candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner.
His speech is scheduled for the morning of 27 May, during which he will share his perspective on Mozambique’s political situation and introduce ANAMALA, his forthcoming political project.
Venâncio Mondlane has played a central role in contesting the results of the 2024 general elections, leading what is considered the largest wave of post-electoral protests in Mozambique since the democratic transition. The demonstrations were violently repressed by the Defence and Security Forces, resulting in over 500 deaths and thousands of injuries, most of them caused by police gunfire during clashes.
The OFF is known for promoting voices challenging authoritarian regimes and fostering debate on democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
The event is organised by the Human Rights Foundation, a New York-based human rights advocacy organisation, and brings together activists, political leaders, artists, and civil society representatives from across the globe. (MT)
