The Anamola party has corrected information initially released about the death of António Siquela, the district coordinator of ALO in Zavala district, Inhambane province, clarifying that he is alive and remains hospitalised following alleged physical assaults which the party attributed to agents of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR).
The initial information was released by Anamola’s Central Coordination through a note of condolence and condemnation, in which the party announced Siquela’s death and called for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances of what it described as an alleged assault.
READ: Mozambique: Anamola reports death of another party member and demands investigation
However, Anamola’s Provincial Political Coordination in Inhambane issued a clarification denying the member’s death and acknowledging that the information previously released was incorrect. According to the provincial body’s statement, António Siquela remains hospitalised after suffering serious physical assaults, which it described as torture.
In the statement, signed by provincial political coordinator Ilídio Armando Cumbe, the provincial body said it continues to monitor Siquela’s health and apologised for the error in reporting his alleged death.
The correction highlights a discrepancy between the party’s two communications: while Anamola’s Central Coordination announced Siquela’s death, the party’s provincial body subsequently clarified that he remains alive. The second statement does not, however, withdraw the allegations of physical assault. The claims concerning the perpetrators and circumstances of the alleged assaults have yet to be independently confirmed.
The case comes amid allegations of political persecution against Anamola members and supporters. Anamola has accused individuals or groups of targeting its members and supporters. The article also reports that the party recently gave President Daniel Chapo ten days to respond to cases of alleged political violence, demanding explanations and concrete measures.
Anamola has called for investigations into deaths, kidnappings and assaults which it alleges involve its members and supporters. These allegations have yet to be established independently. The competent authorities would need to investigate the reported incidents to establish the facts and determine whether anyone should be held accountable under the law.
Source: MzNews