Elvino Dias, the attorney representing opposition politician Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique, was shot and killed early Saturday in the capital, Maputo. According to local news outlet Carta de Moçambique, unidentified gunmen ambushed the vehicle carrying Dias and another individual shortly after midnight, firing multiple shots and resulting in both fatalities. The publication did not disclose the source of its information.
A police officer confirmed the incident via an emergency hotline but withheld his name and further details, indicating that additional information might be provided in a forthcoming press conference.
This violent act escalates the already intense tensions in the gas-rich nation as Mondlane has called for a national strike on Monday to protest alleged electoral fraud in the October 9 elections. Running as an independent candidate, Mondlane garnered significant support from younger voters in his attempt to end the Mozambique Liberation Front’s 49-year rule.
Concerns about the credibility of the electoral process have been raised by various observers, including the European Union, which cited evidence of possible ballot-stuffing. Electoral authorities have stated that dissatisfied parties can pursue legal action in court, provided they present sufficient evidence.
According to Freedom House, a U.S.-based advocacy organization, Mozambique is classified as “partly free.” The political climate remains tense, particularly following the murder of independent election observer Anastácio Matavel in 2019, for which several members of a specialized police unit were convicted.
In light of the recent violence, police have warned citizens against participating in illegal protests, and there is an increased presence of law enforcement and military personnel throughout Maputo.
