Two Prominent Opposition Leaders Killed in Mozambique
Mozambique is in turmoil following the murder of two prominent opposition figures, escalating tensions ahead of planned protests against the contested election results. Elvino Dias, a lawyer for the new opposition party Podemos and advisor to presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, was killed alongside party official Paulo Guambe on Friday night. They were ambushed by attackers pursuing their vehicle, which was later found riddled with bullet holes.
The violence comes as the country awaits results from the October 9 election, expected on October 24. Preliminary results indicate a likely victory for the ruling Frelimo party, which has held power since Mozambique gained independence in 1975. However, Western observers have raised concerns about the election’s integrity, citing vote-buying and repression of dissent.
In response to the alleged fraud, Podemos has called for a nationwide strike on Monday, raising fears of violent clashes, given the security forces’ history of firing on protesters. The European Union and Portugal have condemned the killings and demanded a thorough investigation.
