Gunmen attack, kill Mozambique opposition lawyer

A lawyer representing a prominent opposition leader in Mozambique was shot dead alongside a party official in the capital, Maputo.

Elvino Dias, the lawyer for Venâncio Mondlane, who recently ran for president with the Podemos party, was killed in the attack, along with fellow party member Paulo Guambe. 

Gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, leading to what the local rights group Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) called a “cold-blooded assassination.” CDD director Adriano Nuvunga said between 10 to 15 bullets were fired, killing Dias on the spot, while Guambe died later due to his injuries.

Eyewitnesses claim that police hindered efforts to evacuate Guambe, who survived the initial attack. Reports suggest police prevented people from filming the scene, confiscating phones, and engaging in acts of intimidation. Despite this, police denied any involvement and promised a thorough investigation into the killings.

Lionel Muchina, a police spokesman, condemned the crime and assured the public that steps would be taken to maintain order and uncover the truth.

Dias was a well-known figure in Mozambique, having led successful legal challenges in last year’s local elections. According to Human Rights Watch's Zenaido Machado, Dias was preparing similar legal actions related to this year’s election before his death.

Election results are still being finalized, with Mondlane contesting the early lead claimed by the ruling Frelimo party and calling for a general strike. Meanwhile, international election monitors, including the European Union, have expressed concern over the killings and urged for an independent investigation. Western observers have raised doubts about the credibility of the election, citing incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation.