SADC calls for investigations into Mozambique post-election violence
Ayesha Nyanzunda
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has called for an investigation into the deaths of PODEMOS representative Paulo Guambe and party lawyer Elvino Dias following the peaceful elections in Mozambique.
The call was made by SADC Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation and President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in a press statement yesterday.
“Following the unfortunate incident of the deaths of Mr. Paulo Guambe, PODEMOS political party representative, and Mr. Elvino Dias, the party’s lawyer, on 19 October 2024, the SADC calls upon the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Mozambique to take all necessary measures to ensure an investigation is carried out,” said Dr. Hassan.
This comes after the recent post-election violence happening in Mozambique, which resulted in the death of Mr Elvino Dias, the legal advisor for independent contender Venancio Mondlane, who was shot alongside Paulo Gaumbe, a top supporter of PODEMOS party, which supports Mondlane.
SADC stressed the need for all parties and their supporters to respect due process and prioritize the stability and unity of Mozambique.
In addition, SADC has declared the Republic of Mozambique’s 09th October 2024 elections as peaceful.
“The SADC observed that generally the elections in the Republic of Mozambique took place in a peaceful manner. It is this spirit that SADC urges all stakeholders to uphold in the period before and after the official announcement of the election results. As such, we call upon all stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability in Mozambique continue to prevail,” added Dr. Hassan.
Yesterday, riot police in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, fired tear gas to disperse a crowd protesting against alleged electoral fraud days after two opposition allies were shot dead.