By Pearl Matibe in Washington D.C.
The deaths of two prominent Mozambican public figures — lawyer Elvino Dias and PODEMOS parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe — have generated significant diplomatic engagement across Southern Africa and beyond.
“The Australian Government is concerned about reports that opposition officials have been killed in Mozambique,” an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told White House Correspondent Pearl Matibe on Monday, 19 October. These killings have focused international attention on Mozambique after the country’s 2024 electoral process.
These incidents emerge during a period of complex governance responsibilities in Mozambique, such as in Cabo Delgado province, where authorities continue addressing broader security challenges. The province has experienced significant population movements, with official figures indicating over 700,000 internally displaced persons since 2020.
Local administrators report that 82% of these displaced citizens have relocated multiple times, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian considerations in the region.
More than half of the displaced population are children, which presents additional challenges for provincial authorities working to maintain educational continuity and social services. Communities are focusing on rebuilding while maintaining essential services.
There is an international outcry resulting from the recent politically-motivated deaths. In response to these atrocities, condemnation has been swift from the international community. The U.S. Department of State, in a strongly worded statement, expressed its deep concern.
Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized “The United States condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique,” adding, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”
While Miller’s words were accompanied by condolences to the victims’ families, his message has a clear message: Mozambique’s leaders ought to find peaceful ways to navigate their electoral process, and should hold the perpetrators accountable.
“We join the calls made by all four of Mozambique’s national political parties in urging a swift and thorough investigation. Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable,” Miller said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee, amplifying the United States’ message, took to social media to stress the need for accountability, and offered comfort to the victims’ families, a State Department spokesperson confirming Phee “also extended condolences to the families of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe. She reiterated that we stand with the international community in condemning their tragic killings, and urged authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.”
Across the Atlantic, both the U.S. and UK governments, along with Canada, Switzerland, and Norway, issued a joint statement urging all political leaders and stakeholders to work towards peaceful elections.
In the same vein, the European Union (EU), expressed Europe’s dismay over the killings. It reiterated the importance of a fair and transparent election process, where voices can be heard without the shadow of violence. And, from the Commonwealth, there was also condemnation of the killings.
Mozambique has a precarious path ahead. As it moves past its October elections, the country faces the important task of maintaining stability while advancing its development agenda. Regional observers emphasize that Mozambique’s security and prosperity remain crucial for Southern African economic integration and shared growth.
The coming months will be significant as the country works to strengthen its institutions and address ongoing security challenges. The country’s commitment to managing complex governance responsibilities while maintaining constitutional processes will need to demonstrate the intricate balance required in modern statecraft.
Both regional partners and the international community continue to express support for Mozambique’s stability and development, recognizing its vital role in the broader Southern African community. The focus now turns to implementing governance priorities and advancing regional cooperation initiatives, amid calls from civil society for accountability for past attacks.
One Human Rights Watch (HRW) leader has voiced alarm over the broader pattern of violence. Zenaida Machado, a senior researcher at HRW, points to the government’s failure to protect critics from violence and intimidation. “This latest incident adds to a long list of attacks on critics of the government, including journalists, activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders,” said Machada.
“All of the previous cases which have been well documented by HRW, are yet to be resolved. The perpetrators of the attacks are still enjoying impunity,” she reminded, urging greater accountability and called for justice for the slain. Machada said “We sincerely hope that the case of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe will not go unresolved.”
While political elites and global actors debate accountability, the people of Mozambique are left with the grim reality of an increasingly volatile country. Paulo Guambe, once a beacon of hope for his supporters, is now a martyr in a long struggle for political freedom. His supporters are mourning not just the loss of a candidate but of the democratic dreams he embodied.
The international outcry, combined with the grief of Mozambicans, brings focus to the deep divisions and ongoing violence in a country that has been no stranger to hardship. With the elections in the rearview mirror, the question remains: Can Mozambique find a peaceful path forward, or will it be consumed by the same violence that has plagued it for years?
This tragic moment in Mozambique’s history is not just about its electoral future—it’s a test of resilience for its people. And in the days to come, the world will be watching to see whether justice can be served, or if the violence will continue to silence those who dare to dream of a better Mozambique.
Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise on U.S. foreign policy, and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe
