Gunmen in Mozambique have attacked and killed leading opposition politician’s lawyer, Elvino Dias, and party representative Paulo Guambe, before planned protests against the disputed results of a recent election. The attackers chased the victims’ car and fatally shot them in the capital city of Maputo. Videos on social media showed the aftermath of the attack, including a bullet-riddled BMW SUV and the bodies of the two men inside. These killings have raised tensions in the country as it awaits the final results of the October 9 election, which has been marred by allegations of vote-rigging and suppression of dissent against the ruling Frelimo party.
The opposition party Podemos, which has rejected the provisional election results showing a win for Frelimo, has called for a nationwide strike in response to the killings of their members. The party’s presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, ran as an independent with the support of Podemos. The party has described the killings as evidence of the lack of justice in the country and condemned the murders as cold-blooded assassinations. Human Rights Watch has also confirmed the attack and expressed concern about the escalating violence and lack of accountability.
The latest election tally shows Frelimo leading in all 11 provinces, with its candidate Daniel Chapo expected to succeed President Filipe Nyusi. However, opposition parties, including Podemos, have accused Frelimo of electoral fraud, and Western observers have raised concerns about vote-buying, intimidation, and inflated voter rolls. Mozambique has a history of struggling with electoral integrity since the introduction of democracy in 1994 after years of one-party rule by Frelimo. The final election results are expected on October 24, but there are fears that Monday’s planned protest could turn violent, as security forces have opened fire on political protesters in the past.
The killings of Dias and Guambe have been labeled as political assassinations by rights groups and activists, highlighting the dangerous environment for opposition figures in Mozambique. The Center for Democracy and Human Rights director, Adriano Nuvunga, described the murders as brutal and senseless, with the victims allegedly shot multiple times before dying instantly. These targeted attacks against opposition members have further fueled concerns about the lack of justice and political violence in the country.
The upcoming protests and potential clashes between security forces and demonstrators raise fears of a further escalation of violence in Mozambique. With the election results yet to be finalized and widespread allegations of electoral fraud, the country stands at a critical juncture where political tensions could lead to more bloodshed. International observers and human rights organizations have called for a transparent and fair electoral process, urging the Mozambican government to uphold democratic principles and respect the rights of all citizens, including members of the opposition. The killings of Dias and Guambe serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democracy in Mozambique and the need for accountability and justice for all.
