Mozambican opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has been formally indicted on multiple serious charges, including terrorism, in what his supporters are calling a politically motivated case amid ongoing tensions following the contested 2024 general elections.
The formal indictment marks the end of a months-long preparatory phase, with prosecutors now officially charging Mondlane with:
Publicly condoning criminal acts
Inciting collective disobedience
Publicly instigating a criminal act
Instigating terrorism
Inciting terrorism
Mondlane, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said in a statement: “What had been happening previously was merely the preparatory phase of the legal proceedings. Now that an official charge exists, it means we can proceed to court, which in my view is the most important moment, because it signifies the end of judicial secrecy and allows the evidentiary documents and grounds for the case to be made public.”
The charges come in the wake of a post-electoral crisis that erupted after the 9–10 October 2024 general elections, which were widely disputed. Mondlane, the presidential runner-up, left the country for three months citing political persecution. During his absence and upon return, he called for calm and engaged in two rounds of talks with Daniel Chapo, the ruling party candidate who was declared winner by the Constitutional Council.
According to Mondlane, six key points were agreed upon during meetings held on 23 March and 20 May 2025, aimed at easing national tensions. These included:
A mutual call for an end to violence and inflammatory rhetoric;
Access to public healthcare for over 2,000 citizens injured by security forces;
Compensation to families of those killed during protests;
The release of more than 4,000 demonstrators detained post-election;
Legalisation of Mondlane’s political party; and
Potential inclusion of his allies in the national dialogue committee.
Mondlane claims he fulfilled his part of the agreement by publicly calling for peace, while accusing the government of failing to reciprocate. “Only one of the six points saw any progress — and that was implemented immediately after the first meeting,” he said.
In contrast, government officials have taken a harder stance. The country’s President, Daniel Chapo, and ruling party leaders have made inflammatory public statements and dismissed the existence of any binding agreement, stating there is “nothing to implement.”
Legal experts and civil society groups are now watching the case closely, concerned about the implications for political pluralism and judicial independence in Mozambique. Critics argue the terrorism charges could set a dangerous precedent by criminalising dissent.
Mondlane has vowed to contest the charges in court, maintaining that the legal battle now entering the public domain is “an opportunity for truth to be unveiled.”
The case is expected to spark both domestic and international scrutiny, with potential ramifications for Mozambique’s fragile democratic institutions.