Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Killings of Presidential Candidate Adviser, Party Representative in Mozambique

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killings in Maputo of Elvino Dias, legal adviser to Mozambican presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and Paulo Guambe, the legal representative of the political party PODEMOS.

The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.  He urges the authorities to swiftly investigate the killings and bring their perpetrators to justice.

The Secretary-General calls on all Mozambicans, including political leaders and their supporters, to remain calm, exercise restraint and reject all forms of violence ahead of the official announcement of the electoral results.

The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the people of Mozambique and reaffirms its unwavering support to peace and stability during this important phase in the country’s history.