MAPUTO: The main opposition candidate in Mozambique’s contested general election on Tuesday accused security forces of killing his lawyer, as European Union (EU) observers expressed doubts over the credibility of the vote.
Venancio Mondlane, an independent presidential candidate backed by the small Podemos party, accused Mozambican security forces of fatally shooting his lawyer, Elvino Dias.
Mondlane stated that Dias was ambushed and shot 25 times while traveling in the capital, Maputo, overnight between Friday and Saturday. Another ally of Mondlane’s, Paulo Guambe, was also killed in the attack.
“This was a crime committed by the defence and security forces. There’s no doubt about it. The special forces killed Elvino,” Mondlane said in a video posted on Facebook. Dias’s funeral is expected to take place on Wednesday.
The killings have sparked widespread condemnation from international bodies, including the EU, the United States, the African Union, and the United Nations. All have called on Mozambican authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. The ruling party, Frelimo, has also denounced the attack, describing it as a “macabre act.”
The violence occurred as Mozambique awaits the official results of the October 9 presidential and parliamentary elections, which are expected to confirm a victory for Frelimo, the party that has ruled the country for 50 years.
However, EU election observers have raised concerns about “irregularities during counting and unjustified alteration of election results” at various levels. They urged the authorities to ensure the ballot count is conducted “in a transparent and credible manner.”
Tensions escalated earlier this week when Mondlane, who has already claimed victory in the election, led a protest of several hundred supporters that was dispersed by police with tear gas. He has called for further protests and a general strike on Thursday and Friday, accusing the government of preparing to release “profoundly false” results.
The EU has called for “utmost restraint by all” parties, while the US State Department urged citizens to reject violence and use peaceful means to address electoral grievances. “The only means to challenge results and demand accountability is through the official complaint process,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
President Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms, is stepping down, and Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, 47, is widely expected to win the election. However, ongoing allegations of violence and fraud have cast a shadow over the results, with the nation bracing for potential unrest as tensions continue to rise.
