By : Lloyd Mahachi

Gunmen in Mozambique have killed two opposition officials, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, ahead of protests against the disputed election results. The attack occurred on Friday night in the capital, Maputo, where the gunmen chased and fatally shot the Podemos party’s lawyer and representative.

This incident has heightened tensions in the country, which is awaiting the results of the October 9 election. The opposition party, Podemos, has rejected the provisional results showing a win for the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party and has called for a nationwide strike on Monday.

The killings have been condemned by human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, which has expressed concerns over the use of excessive force by security forces in Mozambique. The country has struggled with electoral fraud, vote-buying, and intimidation, particularly in Frelimo strongholds.

Mozambique’s history of electoral violence and fraud has raised concerns among opposition parties and Western observers. The country’s security forces have opened fire on political protesters in the past, and there are fears of potential violence during Monday’s nationwide strike.

The final election results are expected on October 24. The international community is urged to press for accountability and prevent future violations. Key factors contributing to the current tensions include the election dispute, violence, electoral fraud, and planned protests.

The situation in Mozambique remains volatile, with the opposition and human rights groups calling for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The international community’s attention is crucial in ensuring a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi