### Prominent Mozambique Lawyer and Political Official Assassinated in Maputo

In a shocking turn of events, Elvino Dias, the lawyer for a distinguished opposition figure in Mozambique, was shot dead along with another party official in the capital, Maputo. Elvino Dias was the attorney for Venâncio Mondlane, a recent presidential candidate representing the Podemos party in an election held just 10 days ago.

The tragedy struck when Dias and fellow Podemos official Paulo Guambe were ambushed by gunmen who riddled their car with bullets. According to the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), the attack was a "cold-blooded murder," with the assailants firing between 10 to 15 bullets, resulting in the instantaneous death of Dias. Witnesses recounted that Guambe initially survived the attack but succumbed to his injuries hours later. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that police obstructed his evacuation by an ambulance on the scene.

Witnesses also accuse the police of censorship and intimidation, claiming that officers confiscated and damaged their phones to prevent the recording of the violent incident. The police have categorically denied these allegations, maintaining that they are committed to maintaining order and will take all necessary measures to prevent further violence.

Lionel Muchina, a police spokesperson, condemned the murders and assured the public that efforts are underway to clarify the case. Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Dias, whom the Carta de Moçambique news site praised as a "shrewd lawyer" with a "fighter's spirit." He had previously led successful court cases against the election commission during last year's local elections and was poised to do the same this year.

With the election votes still being tallied, Mondlane, who disputes claims by the ruling Frelimo party that they are leading, has called for a nationwide strike on Monday. The European Union's observer mission, present in Mozambique, has labeled the killings an "outrageous crime" and urged an independent investigation. This call comes amidst reports of violent dispersal of supporters following last week's election.

International observers, including the US-based International Republican Institute, have already raised doubts about the election's credibility, citing instances of vote-buying, inflated voter rolls, and voter intimidation in Frelimo strongholds.

Mozambique, ruled for over half a century by the Frelimo party since its independence from Portugal, is awaiting the outcome of an election that will see a new president take office. Current President Filipe Nyusi is stepping down after two terms, with his successor Daniel Chapo, the party's leader, poised to potentially continue the party's long-standing governance. Chapo's rivals in this crucial election include Mondlane of Podemos, Ossufo Momade of Renamo, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.

As the country grapples with this latest wave of violence, it also continues to face an Islamist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, further complicating an already tense political landscape.