Two associates of Mozambique’s opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane were killed in Maputo amidst allegations of electoral fraud after the October 9 elections. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims were attacked while in their vehicle. The event has drawn significant condemnation from civil organizations, political figures, and international entities, all calling for justice regarding the politically motivated violence. As Mozambique awaits election results, the calls for democratic protection intensify.
On Saturday, in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, two associates of Venancio Mondlane, a prominent opposition candidate, were tragically killed amid ongoing electoral unrest. The incident occurred following the October 9 elections, when the opposition accused the ruling Frelimo party of electoral fraud. According to eyewitness accounts, lawyer Elvino Dias and candidate Paulo Guambe were shot at while seated in their vehicle, reportedly by two gunmen who unleashed approximately 20 bullets in the attack. Guambe, a member of the Podemos party backing Mondlane, was confirmed dead by Podemos leader Albino Forquilha. The local police have initiated an investigation into the incident, although they have not yet publicly identified the victims. Authorities reported that another woman was present in the vehicle and was subsequently hospitalized. Police spokesperson Leonel Muchina indicated that the victims had been at a nearby bar and suggested that their deaths may have stemmed from interactions with other patrons. In the wake of the killings, Mondlane participated in a vigil with approximately 100 supporters in Maputo, as Mozambique awaits the official election results, which are scheduled to be released on October 24. Although the Frelimo party proclaimed victory soon after the elections, Mondlane has accused them of fraud and has urged citizens to protest on Monday. It is notable that Elvino Dias had previously raised concerns about potential threats against his life due to his accusations of fraud regarding Frelimo’s local election victories. The civil society group, Mais Integridade, condemned the violent attack, labeling it an “act of intimidation” that undermines the principles of democracy. In response, the Frelimo party condemned the killings, describing them as a “macabre act” and calling for thorough investigations by the authorities. Podemos echoed this sentiment, asserting that the murders demonstrated the severe lack of justice experienced by individuals in Mozambique. Statements from the European Union and Portugal’s parliament also called for accountability and justice in the face of politically motivated violence, reaffirming that such acts have no place in a democracy.
The political climate in Mozambique has been tense following the long-standing dominance of the Frelimo party since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of fraud, which have intensified political violence and dissent among opposition groups. The situation has escalated with the tragic deaths of opposition figures, highlighting concerns over political intimidation and the safety of those who confront the ruling party’s authority. These incidents reflect broader issues regarding democratic integrity and civil liberties in Mozambique as various stakeholders, including international entities, call for transparency and justice in the electoral process.
The killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe serve as a grave reminder of the perils faced by opposition figures in Mozambique amid a climate of electoral fraud allegations and political violence. Their deaths have ignited widespread condemnation from both national and international bodies, marking a critical moment in Mozambique’s democratic journey. As the nation awaits election results, the calls for justice and accountability resonate louder than ever, underscoring the urgent need to protect democratic values.
Original Source: www.dw.com
