Mozambique’s opposition leader and ANAMOLA president Venâncio Mondlane has appealed to international human rights organisations, regional bodies and foreign governments to investigate what he describes as a deepening political and constitutional crisis marked by killings, disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests and the suppression of opposition activity. In an urgent appeal dated 12 September 2026, Mondlane said Mozambique’s image as a promising investment destination, particularly because of its liquefied natural gas resources, concealed a worsening humanitarian crisis. He accused state security forces of targeting opposition leaders, journalists, civil society activists and ordinary citizens with impunity. The appeal documents politically linked killings dating back to the assassination of investigative journalist Carlos Cardoso in 2000. Other cases include the killings of banker Siba-Siba Macuácua, constitutional lawyer Gilles Cistac, journalist Paulo Machava, RENAMO peace negotiator Jeremias Pondeca and election observer leader Anastácio Matavele. Mondlane also cited violence during protests and election-related demonstrations. The appeal refers to police assaults and arbitrary arrests during marches honouring musician Azagaia in March 2023, the use of tear gas and firearms against protesters in Maputo in October 2023, and the shootings of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and PODEMOS election representative Paulo Guambe in October 2024. According to the appeal, approximately 400 people died during post-election protests between October 2024 and March 2025. It records more than 450 cases of violence between March 2025 and July 2026, with at least 57 reported deaths following the alleged abduction and killing of ANAMOLA mobiliser Ilídio Facitela Gustavo in Inhambane Province on 12 September. Mondlane said Gustavo was expected to testify in his forthcoming Supreme Court trial. He faces five charges linked to post-election protests, including public advocacy of crime, incitement to collective disobedience and incitement to terrorism. Mondlane rejects the charges as politically motivated. The appeal alleges that ANAMOLA members have been abducted, assaulted and detained by Mozambique’s Rapid Intervention Unit. It also cites claims that homes were burned, a party coordinator was assaulted and castrated, and eight members were allegedly killed and buried in a mass grave in Tete Province. The document says some of the claims require independent investigation. Mondlane said ANAMOLA had submitted four reports to Mozambique’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Interior over more than a year without receiving a response. He also said commitments made during meetings with President Daniel Chapo to end the violence, release detainees, provide medical assistance and compensate victims had not been fulfilled. He has asked the International Bar Association, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and SADC to establish permanent human rights monitoring, send independent investigative missions and observe judicial proceedings involving opposition leaders. Mondlane is also calling for protection for victims, witnesses and their families, as well as international pressure for political dialogue and accountability. “Beneath the rhetoric of resource wealth lies a profound human tragedy,” the appeal says, warning that Mozambique’s democratic institutions are being dismantled while the international community focuses on investment and economic opportunity. Get the 12 page appeal via my Telegram channel via this link; t.me/informationhubzimbabwe