In Mozambique, the opposition is calling for a general strike and demonstrations on Monday, October 21, to protest alleged fraud in the October 9 elections, with official results expected soon. Tensions have escalated following the assassination of two key figures close to opposition leader and presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane.
Lawyer Elvino Dias, who was preparing an appeal against election fraud, and Paulo Guamba, a member of the Podemos party, were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle.
Mondlane, convinced of Government involvement, accused the Mozambican defense and security Forces of the killings: “We have the proof. The blood of two young men is flowing now! We will all take to the streets and demonstrate”.
The opposition party MDM, led by Lutero Simango, also condemned the attack as a political crime, pointing to the tense climate surrounding the October 9 elections, with final results set to be announced on October 24. In response, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda urged calm and ordered an investigation, promising swift justice for the perpetrators.
There are growing concerns that Monday’s demonstrations could turn violent. Mozambique’s security forces have previously opened fire on political protesters, including during last year’s local elections and a recent rally for Mondlane in Nampula, according to human rights groups. Assassinations during election periods are not new in Mozambique, but the targeting of party representatives marks an alarming development.