Condemnation Trails Assassination Of Presidential Candidate

The lawyer for Venancio Mondlane, Mozambique’s leading opposition candidate in the October 9 elections, Elvino Dias, was tragically shot dead in an attack on Saturday.

He was killed alongside Paulo Guambe, a candidate from the Podemos party who also supported Mondlane.

Eyewitnesses reported that two gunmen opened fire on the vehicle where Dias and Guambe were sitting while it was stopped on a road in central Maputo. This violent incident has shocked the political scene, leading to widespread condemnation.

Albino Forquilha, head of the Podemos party, confirmed the deaths to AFP and expressed deep sorrow over the violent act. Meanwhile, the national lawyers’ association shared their “deep shock” at Dias’s death, emphasizing the serious implications for legal representation and the rule of law in Mozambique.

Civil society group Mais Integridade called the murders “repugnant,” describing them as an “act of intimidation” that threatens Mozambique’s democracy. They urged the authorities to take immediate steps to protect political candidates and their representatives.

In response to the killings, the police announced that they had launched an investigation but did not confirm the identities of the deceased men right away.

Mozambique is currently waiting for the official election results, which are expected to be released on October 24. After the election, Mondlane, who challenged the long-ruling Frelimo party, claimed victory and alleged electoral fraud. Frelimo, however, insists it is leading in the vote counts.

Amid rising tensions, Mondlane has called for demonstrations on Monday, further escalating the political atmosphere in the country.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG