WASHINGTON — 

The U.S. authorities on Monday condemned the weekend killings by gunmen of two Mozambique opposition figures forward of protests in opposition to a disputed election end result, with Washington urging “a swift and thorough investigation into the murders.”

Why it is necessary

America is the biggest bilateral donor to Mozambique, offering over $560 million in help yearly, in keeping with the U.S. State Division web site.

Washington joined the European Union and Mozambique’s former colonial ruler Portugal within the condemnation and the decision for an investigation into the murders of opposition lawyer Elvino Dias and opposition social gathering official Paulo Guambe on Saturday after a number of rounds have been fired at a automobile during which they have been travelling.

Key quotes

“America condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique,” the U.S. State Division mentioned in a press release.

“We be a part of the calls made by all 4 of Mozambique’s nationwide political events in urging a swift and thorough investigation.”

Context

Mozambique police on Monday fired teargas and bullets at protesters within the capital Maputo who had gathered on the scene the place the 2 opposition social gathering figures have been shot useless on Saturday after a disputed election.

The total outcomes of Mozambique’s Oct. 9 nationwide election are anticipated this week, with early outcomes displaying that the ruling social gathering Frelimo is ready for one more win. Opposition candidates say the ballot was rigged.

Frelimo has dominated the southern African nation since 1975 and has been accused of electoral fraud by opposition leaders, civil society and election observers. It denies the allegations.

The State Division urged Mozambique’s state establishments, political leaders, residents and stakeholders to resolve electoral disputes peacefully and lawfully whereas rejecting violence and inflammatory rhetoric.