The US government on Monday condemned the killings of two Mozambique opposition figures ahead of protests against a disputed election result, urging “a swift and thorough investigation into the murders.”
The victims, opposition lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe, were shot dead on Saturday while travelling together.
Washington joined the European Union and Mozambique’s former colonial ruler, Portugal, in calling for justice.
As Mozambique’s largest bilateral donor, providing over $560 million in annual assistance, the US expressed grave concern over the killings. In a statement, the U.S. State Department said, “We join the calls made by all four of Mozambique’s national political parties in urging a swift and thorough investigation.”
On Monday, Mozambique police fired teargas and bullets at protesters in the capital, Maputo, who had gathered at the scene of the murders. The protests followed a disputed national election on October 9, where early results indicated a win for the ruling party, Frelimo. Opposition candidates have accused Frelimo of rigging the election—a claim the ruling party denies.
Frelimo has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975 but has faced repeated accusations of electoral fraud. As the full election results are expected this week, the U.S. urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully and lawfully, rejecting violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
