The U.S. government on Monday strongly condemned the killings of two Mozambique opposition figures by gunmen over the weekend, just ahead of protests against a disputed election.
Washington has called for “a swift and thorough investigation into the murders.”
As the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, providing over $560 million in aid annually, the United States has a vested interest in the country’s stability, according to the U.S. State Department. It joined the European Union and Mozambique’s former colonial ruler, Portugal, in demanding accountability for the deaths of opposition lawyer Elvino Dias and opposition party official Paulo Guambe, who were gunned down while traveling together on Saturday.
“The United States condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique,” the U.S. State Department said in an official statement. “We echo the calls from Mozambique’s four national political parties for a swift and thorough investigation.”
On Monday, Mozambique police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters in the capital, Maputo, who had gathered near the site of the killings. The protests follow a disputed national election held on October 9, with preliminary results pointing to another victory for the ruling Frelimo party. Opposition leaders claim the election was marred by fraud.
Frelimo, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975, has consistently denied allegations of electoral malpractice. However, opposition parties, civil society, and election observers have raised concerns over irregularities.
The U.S. State Department urged all parties involved—including political leaders, state institutions, and citizens—to address electoral grievances peacefully and lawfully, while rejecting violence and inflammatory rhetoric. Full election results are expected later this week.
