Venâncio Mondlane Files Criminal Complaint Against President Chapo Amid Ongoing Political Crisis
Former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has formally filed a criminal complaint against Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo on the same day he was summoned by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) over multiple legal proceedings against him. Mondlane accuses the Head of State of inciting violence, claiming that Chapo’s recent statements—particularly those made in Cabo Delgado—have encouraged brutal repression of protests and fostered a militaristic stance.
The complaint, submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, references Chapo’s speech in which he declared that the nation was ready to “spill blood” to suppress unrest and combat the Naparamas and terrorism. Mondlane’s legal team argues that such remarks have emboldened state-led violence, linking them to protest-related fatalities.
Dinis Tivane, Mondlane’s advisor, confirmed that the complaint was filed while the opposition leader was giving testimony regarding the mass demonstrations he has spearheaded since October to contest the election results. Wilker Dias, a social activist and political analyst, called the legal move justified, pointing out that since Chapo’s inauguration, at least 37 protesters have reportedly been killed by security forces.
However, legal experts consulted by *TORRE.News* anticipate that the complaint is unlikely to advance, as Mozambique’s Constitution grants the sitting President immunity from prosecution during his term.
Mondlane’s legal action comes at a delicate time, as the government and opposition parties have recently signed an agreement for inclusive political dialogue aimed at fostering stability and potential state reforms. However, critics view the pact as a stalling tactic by the ruling Frelimo party rather than a genuine effort to address the ongoing crisis.
As tensions between Chapo and Mondlane escalate, Mozambique remains at a political crossroads, with opposition forces demanding immediate and concrete measures to restore public trust in the country’s democratic process.
