Venâncio Mondlane, a 50-year-old presidential hopeful backed by opposition party Podemos, has claimed victory in the country’s recent election. Mondlane alleges that the killing of his aides, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, on Friday night was politically motivated.
“This was a crime committed by the defence and security forces. There’s no doubt about it. The special forces killed Elvino [Dias],” Mondlane said.
Mondlane’s claims sparked widespread protests across Mozambique, with demonstrators rallying against the killings and the alleged theft of the election. On Monday, police in the capital city Maputo used live rounds, tear gas, armoured vehicles, and police dogs to push back protesters from the site where Dias and Guambe were shot dead.
The protests turned violent, with demonstrators blocking roads with burning tyres and barricades. Footage showed Mondlane and journalists running for cover after shots were fired in their direction. Local media reported multiple arrests and at least 16 people wounded and hospitalized in cities across Mozambique, including Maputo, Beira, and Nampula.
Shops and businesses closed on Monday but reopened on Tuesday. The funeral for Dias is scheduled for Wednesday, and Mondlane has called for further protests on Thursday and Friday.
The killings have drawn strong condemnation from former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, the African Union, the UN, the US, and the EU. Celebrated Mozambican author Mia Couto described the killings as a “crime against the nation.”
Mozambique has been governed by the Frelimo party since independence from Portugal. With President Filipe Nyusi stepping down after serving two terms, the country is guaranteed a new president. The Frelimo candidate, 47-year-old Daniel Chapo, faces opposition from Mondlane, Ossufo Momade of the Renamo party, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.
The international community is increasingly pressuring Mozambican authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
