The Angolan writer based in Mozambique, José Eduardo Agualusa, has criticized Venâncio Mondlane's stance in proclaiming himself the winner of the presidential elections on 9 October.

He called the presidential candidate's stance hasty and said it was unacceptable that he was promoting demonstrations.

"I also think it's too early to start demonstrating. We have to wait, patiently, then, if there is proof that there has been widespread fraud, I agree that we need to take action," he said.

In Agualusa's view, "the true leader doesn't start fires. He waits for the right moment to present his demands, but always with a view to respecting the jurisdictional framework."

On the other hand, he admitted that Venâncio Mondlane "has become an important figure in Mozambican politics", and that he should therefore be heard by the international community.

"But if he threatens the international community and unleashes conflict, if he appears as an arsonist, the international community won't want links with that person. That's not the kind of person Mozambique needs today", he said, quoted by Radio Mozambique.