Tensions have escalated in Mozambique following the killing of an opposition lawyer and a party official, heightening concerns ahead of planned protests against the disputed election results. The European Union (EU) and various human rights organizations have condemned the killings and called for a thorough investigation.
The victims, Elvino Dias, a lawyer for the opposition Podemos party, and Paulo Guambe, a party representative, were fatally shot in the Bairro da Coop neighborhood in the capital, Maputo. The attack came just days before a nationwide strike planned by Podemos in protest of the election, which they claim was marred by irregularities.
According to Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique’s Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), the attackers fired between 10 to 15 rounds into the car carrying Dias and Guambe, resulting in their immediate deaths. “They were brutally assassinated in cold blood,” Nuvunga said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The EU has strongly condemned the killings, calling for an “immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation.” In a statement, the EU highlighted that “there is no place for politically motivated killings in a democracy,” and reiterated its election observers remain in Mozambique to assess the integrity of the electoral process.
Preliminary election results indicate that the ruling Frelimo party, which has dominated Mozambique for nearly 50 years, is poised for another victory. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s presidential candidate, is reportedly leading in all 11 provinces. However, election observers, including Mozambique’s civil society election group, More Integrity, have raised concerns about widespread irregularities. These include allegations of vote-buying, voter intimidation, inflated voter lists in Frelimo strongholds, and a lack of transparency in vote counting.
Podemos, led by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, has rejected the provisional results and called for a general strike on Monday. Mondlane, a popular figure among younger voters, has challenged Frelimo’s long-standing rule, capturing the support of many who have no personal memory of the party’s role in gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 or its victory in the civil war that followed.
As tensions mount, concerns are growing over the possibility of violence during Monday’s protests. Mozambique’s security forces have a history of responding to political demonstrations with force, as seen during last year’s local elections and more recently at a rally in the northern city of Nampula, where police reportedly opened fire on Mondlane’s supporters.
Dias had been at the forefront of legal challenges against the contested election results, according to Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado. She expressed hope that those responsible for the murders would be brought to justice. “All of those found responsible for this crime should be held accountable,” Machado said.
Final election results are expected to be released on October 24, but fears remain that the situation could escalate further if protests turn violent.
The international community will be closely watching how Mozambique navigates this critical moment, with both the integrity of the election and the stability of the country at stake.
