EU condemns, calls for probe into political killings in Mozambique

The European Union Commission has condemned killings of of Elvino Dias, legal advisor to Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and opposition politician, Paulo Guambe in the aftermath of last week’s election in Mozambique.

According to statement released by the Commission on Sunday, while expressing it condolences to the families and friends of this slain politicians, the EU stated that in a democracy, there is no place for politically motivated killings.

These events took place after worrying reports about the violent dispersion of supporters in the aftermath of last week’s election in Mozambique.
The European Union called for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation that will bring to justice those responsible for this outrageous crime, provide clarity on the circumstances in which it occurred, and looks forward to reactions by the Mozambican Government.

The Commission also appealed for utmost restraint, and for respect of fundamental freedoms and political rights while adding that a strong protection measures of all candidates in this post-electoral period are crucial.

“The European Union Election Observation Mission remains in the country assessing the ongoing electoral process.
“We expect the Election Management Bodies to conduct the full process with all the necessary due diligence, transparency, and respecting the will expressed by the people of Mozambique”, the Commission added.

Report has it that a lawyer for a prominent Mozambique opposition figure has been shot dead in the capital, Maputo, along with an official from the same party.

Dias died with fellow Podemos official Paulo Guambe when gunmen attacked their car. “They were brutally assassinated [in a] cold- blooded murder,” said local rights group the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD).
The indications [are] that around 10 to 15 bullets were shot, and they died instantly,” said the group’s director, Adriano Nuvunga. Another organisation, the Mais Integridade election watchdog, said the killings were designed to intimidate anyone demanding transparency in the polls.

It was reported that one of the victims, Dias, died instantly, but witnesses say the other, Guambe, succumbed to his injuries hours later, and alleged that police blocked the evacuation by an ambulance that had arrived at the scene to assist them.

Witnesses also alleged that the police engaged in censorship and intimidation, preventing them from recording the violent scene, confiscating and damaging several phones.

While the police have denied any wrongdoing, and said they will take all necessary measures to prevent any acts of vandalism, violence, or public disorder in coming days.