Opposition politician Venancio Mondlane is set to face trial in Mozambique's Supreme Court on five charges related to protests that followed the disputed 2024 presidential election. Mondlane was notified by the court on August 25, 2026, and is expected to begin proceedings within two to three months. The charges include public advocacy of crime, incitement to collective disobedience, public instigation to a crime, instigation to terrorism, and incitement to terrorism, stemming from his alleged role in the unrest after the October 2024 election. Mondlane denies the accusations.
The October 2024 election saw Mondlane, an independent candidate backed by the Podemos party, finish second to Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), who was confirmed as the winner with 65.17% of the vote compared to Mondlane's 24.19%. Following the election results, protests erupted, resulting in over 300 deaths, according to Reuters.
Salomão Moyana, a journalist and political commentator, remarked that while the trial may be politically untimely, it offers Mondlane a chance to address his legal issues. He emphasized that the accusations are from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, not the court itself.
Activist Andre Mulungo noted that the trial reflects a broader issue of the judicialization of politics in Mozambique, suggesting that political crises should be resolved through political means rather than judicial processes. Mondlane left Mozambique in October 2024 due to safety concerns after the deaths of his lawyer and a spokesperson. He returned from exile on January 9, 2025, shortly before Chapo's inauguration, amidst significant security measures.
The government has accused Mondlane of inciting unrest, while Chapo has expressed openness to dialogue with the opposition. Mondlane has continued to contest the election results and met with Chapo in March and May 2025 in attempts to resolve the political crisis, which were unsuccessful.
In July 2025, Mondlane was formally charged, and he later became a member of Mozambique’s Council of State, which provides him with immunity. However, a deliberation on June 10, 2026, suspended this immunity to allow the trial to proceed. Mondlane has challenged this decision, arguing that the Council of State lacks the authority to suspend member immunity.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the trial could impact Mondlane's political future, potentially affecting his eligibility for the 2029 presidential election. The Institute for Security Studies noted that the charges could hinder his ability to run. Lawyer Esau Cossa speculated that while Mondlane may avoid imprisonment, he could still face a tarnished record that would affect his political aspirations. The case also raises concerns about public confidence in Mozambique’s justice system, with fears that it may be perceived as a political maneuver rather than a legitimate legal process.