Gaza Province, Mozambique — The killing of Pedro João Chaúque, a regional coordinator for the opposition National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (ANAMOLA), was confirmed by local authorities on the night of May 16, marking the latest in a string of targeted attacks against opposition figures in a country already grappling with escalating political violence. According to witnesses, unidentified armed men stormed Chaúque’s home in the rural locality of Mucambene, fatally shooting him before fleeing with his vehicle and personal belongings. The incident follows the May 9 assassination of Anselmo Vicente, ANAMOLA’s provincial coordinator in Manica, who was also killed by gunmen in Chimoio city.
The attacks have drawn urgent condemnation from international human rights groups, with Amnesty International describing the killings as part of a “disturbing pattern” of enforced disappearances and targeted violence against opposition members. In a statement, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for “prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations” into the cases. “The authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” Chagutah said, adding that “no one should be subject to violence, intimidation, harassment or any other reprisals for expressing dissent”.
The escalation comes amid mounting concerns over freedom of expression in Mozambique, where critics of the ruling FRELIMO party—led by President Filippo Nyusi—have faced increasing repression. The government has repeatedly denied allegations of state involvement in the killings, though human rights organizations cite credible witness accounts linking security forces to disappearances, including that of Arlindo Chissale, a journalist and supporter of ANAMOLA leader Venâncio Mondlane. Chissale was last seen on January 7 after being forcibly removed from a public minibus in Gaza Province, according to family statements. Witnesses reported seeing him beaten before being taken away by individuals identified as members of the defense and security forces.
Mozambique’s Ministry of Interior has not publicly commented on the latest killing, though officials have previously dismissed opposition claims of state complicity as “baseless”. The National Police confirmed an investigation into Chaúque’s death but provided no details on arrests or leads. Meanwhile, ANAMOLA has called for an “international commission of inquiry”, citing what it describes as “systematic attacks” on its members ahead of the October 2024 presidential election, which Mondlane contested against Nyusi. The election was marred by allegations of irregularities, including voter suppression and media restrictions, though official results upheld Nyusi’s victory.
Local activists and diplomats warn that the violence risks further destabilizing a country already facing economic crises and insurgencies, including attacks by armed groups in Cabo Delgado. The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed “grave concern” over the killings, though no concrete measures have been announced. For now, the focus remains on whether Mozambique’s authorities will act on international calls for accountability—or if the cycle of impunity will continue.
