confidentially speaking
The Africa Confidential Blog
Critics targeted in Maputo
Blue Lines
Mozambican journalist and
lawyer Ericino de Salema was
kidnapped in
broad daylight in the capital Maputo on 27 March, beaten unconscious
and abandoned by the roadside with severely fractured limbs. Salema's
abduction bore similarities to the kidnapping in May 2016 of respected
academic José Jaime Macuane. Both were commentators on independent TV
station STV's 'Points of View,' and had been critical of Frelimo's poor
governance.
Local media figures are now pressuring Attorney General Beatriz Buchili to act over the recent escalation of politically motivated attacks and
assassinations. No case has yet been solved, and critics say the only
explanation is collusion by public officials. After nearly two years
without tangible progress in the investigation into his abduction,
Macuane has finally spoken publicly about his ordeal, noting that one
of his kidnappers showed him a police badge.
President Filipe Nyusi has
maintained a deafening silence. After a
bitter defeat in the recent Nampula by-election, Frelimo is
increasingly concerned about next year's general election.
Prior to his attack, Salema criticised the extravagant
delinquency of Nyusi's 20-year old son Florindo,
who made local
headlines for violating traffic laws during late-night jaunts in his
luxury cars. On 17 April, Nyusi spoke at London's Chatham House about
inclusive development. Critics say his commitment to that cause is
questionable, given his son's attitudes to official impunity and
entitlement.
