Gunmen Kill Presidential Candidate In Mozambique
A lawyer for Venancio Mondolan, Mozambique’s leading opposition candidate in the October 9 presidential election, was gunned down in Maputo on Saturday.
Lawyer Elvino Diaz was killed along with another candidate supporting Mondolan, Paulo Guambe of the Podemos party.
According to witnesses, two gunmen shot at their car, which was stuck on a road in the center of the capital.
Podemos representative Albino Forquilla confirmed the killing to AFP, while the National Lawyers Association expressed “deep shock” at Diaz’s death.
The civil society observer group Mais Integridade called the “abominable” murder an “act of intimidation” that undermines democracy.
Police announced that an investigation had been launched, but did not immediately confirm the identities of the two slain.
Gunmen Assassinate Mozambique Presidential Candidate
October 19, 2024
Mozambique Votes.
Mozambique Development Optimism Party (Podemos) presidential candidate Benancio Mondolan (C) holds a press conference at a polling station in Maputo after voting in Mozambique’s national election on October 9, 2024. (Photo: ALFREDO ZUNIGA / AFPBB News)
Press Coverage.
A lawyer for Mozambique’s leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondolan, who ran in the October 9 presidential election, was shot dead in Maputo on Saturday.
Lawyer Elvino Diaz was killed along with another candidate supporting Mondolan, Paulo Guambe of the Podemos party.
According to witnesses, two gunmen shot at their car, which was stuck on a road in the center of the capital.
Podemos representative Albino Forquilla confirmed the killing to AFP, and the National Lawyers Association expressed “deep shock” at Diaz’s death.
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Civil society observer group Mais Integridade called the “abominable” murder an “act of intimidation” that undermines democracy.
Police said they had launched an investigation, but could not immediately confirm the identities of the two people killed.
The European Union issued a statement condemning the killings of Diaz and Guambe and calling for a full and transparent investigation to “bring to justice those responsible for this atrocious crime.”
In a democracy, politically motivated killings will not be tolerated,” the commission said.
Mozambique is awaiting the results of nationwide elections. Results are expected to be announced on October 24.
Mondolan, who challenged the Frelimo party that has ruled Mozambique since independence 49 years ago, claimed victory almost immediately after polling day.
He has called for demonstrations on Monday, alleging electoral fraud because he claims Frelimo is leading in the vote count.
