Mozambique: Anamola Demands Fair Trial for Its Leader

What the report says

Mozambique’s National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique, known as Anamola, is urging authorities to give its leader, Venancio Mondlane, a fair trial that is independent, impartial and transparent. The appeal follows a summons from the country’s Supreme Court for Mondlane to face five criminal charges tied to post-election demonstrations, according to the report from Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, distributed by AllAfrica.

Mondlane, a former presidential candidate, is accused of offenses including public apology for a crime, incitement to collective disobedience, public instigation to crime, and instigation and incitement to terrorism. The article says the unrest began after Mondlane called protests over what he described as fraudulent results from the October 2024 general election. It started peacefully but later turned into rioting.

Anamola spokesperson Manuela Veloso said in Sofala province that the proceedings must respect Mozambique’s constitution and other laws. The party also asked that the trial be broadcast live on television and social media, arguing that the public should be able to follow the case closely. In the party’s view, the proceedings will test the credibility of the justice system.

The report adds that the Council of State recently lifted Mondlane’s immunity so he can stand trial. For context, the article says he sits on the Council because Mozambican law gives the runner-up in the presidential election a seat. The story also notes wider claims of police violence during the unrest, though those figures and allegations were presented as coming from other organizations and officials.