Mozambique Opposition Lawyer, Party Official Shot Dead in Maputo

A lawyer representing a prominent opposition figure in Mozambique has been shot dead in the capital, Maputo, alongside a fellow party official. Elvino Dias, attorney for Venâncio Mondlane, the Podemos party’s recent presidential candidate, was killed in an attack on his car. The gunmen also targeted Paulo Guambe, a Podemos official, who later succumbed to his injuries.

The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) condemned the killings as “cold-blooded murder,” with Director Adriano Nuvunga reporting that the assailants fired 10 to 15 bullets, killing Dias instantly. The killings are suspected to be an attempt to intimidate those questioning the recent election results.

Witnesses allege that police obstructed Guambe’s evacuation and engaged in censorship by seizing and damaging phones used to record the scene. Police deny these claims but vowed to investigate the crime. “We condemn the heinous act and are working to clarify the case,” said police spokesman Lionel Muchina.

Tributes have poured in for Dias, with the Carta de Moçambique describing him as a “shrewd, intrepid lawyer,” while Human Rights Watch praised his peaceful nature and legal victories challenging election authorities.

The European Union condemned the attack as an “outrageous crime” and urged for an independent investigation. Western election observers have raised concerns over the credibility of the election, citing reports of vote-buying and intimidation, particularly in areas controlled by the ruling Frelimo party. Mondlane has called for a national strike, disputing early results that show Frelimo in the lead.

This election is Mozambique’s first without President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after two terms. His likely successor is Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, though Mondlane, Renamo leader Ossufo Momade, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement remain contenders.