In Mozambique, two associates of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane were killed in Maputo amid allegations of electoral fraud following the October 9 elections. Elvino Dias and candidate Paulo Guambe were attacked while in a car, prompting national and international outrage. The ruling party, Frelimo, has denied involvement, while calls for investigations and justice have been made by various organizations and foreign governments.
Two associates of Venancio Mondlane, a prominent opposition candidate in Mozambique, tragically lost their lives in Maputo on Saturday, in an incident linked to the contentious October 9 elections. According to eyewitness accounts, lawyer Elvino Dias and candidate Paulo Guambe were in a vehicle in downtown Maputo when they were intercepted by other vehicles and fired upon by assailants, who reportedly unleashed a barrage of 20 bullets during the attack. Guambe represented the Podemos party, which supported Mondlane’s presidential bid. The head of Podemos, Albino Forquilha, confirmed this devastating news to the AFP news agency. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, although they have not confirmed the identities of the deceased at this time. A police spokesperson, Leonel Muchina, indicated that the men had been at a local bar prior to the shooting and suggested that their deaths could be related to their interactions there. Following the killings, Mondlane participated in a vigil alongside approximately 100 supporters in Maputo. The backdrop to these tragic events involves serious allegations of electoral fraud in Mozambique, where the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory shortly after the recent elections. Mondlane has publicly accused the Frelimo party of fraud and has called for protests to ensue. The results of the election are expected to be announced on October 24. Notably, Dias had previously voiced concerns regarding threats against his safety and claimed electoral malfeasance during previous municipal elections won by Frelimo. Reactions from various entities have poured in following the killings. Mais Integridade, a civil society observer group, condemned the attack, characterizing it as an “act of intimidation” that jeopardizes democratic principles. In contrast, the Frelimo party has expressed strong condemnation of the violence, urging that thorough investigations be conducted into the matter. Moreover, the European Union and Portugal’s parliament have both issued statements decrying the murders, reiterating that politically motivated killings have no place in a democratic society.
Mozambique’s political landscape has been fraught with tension, particularly in light of the country’s long-standing ruling party, Frelimo, which has been in power since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. The recent general elections held on October 9, 2024, have been marred by allegations of electoral fraud and intimidation, particularly against opposition parties. The death of these two opposition figures amidst significant allegations of electoral misconduct raises serious concerns regarding political violence and the safety of dissent in Mozambique, further complicating an already volatile situation as the country awaits the official election results set to be released on October 24.
The murders of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe underscore the escalating violence and political repression in Mozambique, particularly in relation to the ongoing electoral disputes. The allegations of fraud against the ruling Frelimo party and the tragic events surrounding the killings cast a shadow over the nation’s democratic processes. Calls for justice and accountability from local and international bodies reflect a collective condemnation of politically motivated violence. The situation remains precarious as the nation anticipates the upcoming election results, with many seeking assurances for their safety and the protection of democratic rights.
Original Source: www.dw.com
