Mozambique: Three killed in bus attack in Gorongosa October 3

Event

Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be members of a breakaway faction of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), attacked a bus in the Gorongosa district (central Mozambique) on Thursday, October 3, killing three people.

Further attacks are possible over the coming days ahead of the October 15 elections. 

Context

Mozambique will hold general elections on October 15, to vote for the president and provincial governors. Current President and leader of the Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) Filipe Nyusi is running for re-election, along with the leader of the Renamo, Ossufo Momade. Some acts of political violence have been reported as of early October. At least one breakaway faction of Renamo had threatened to increase violence if the elections are not suspended.

The October 15 general elections will be the first time that citizens will be able to vote for provincial governors. Electing provincial leaders was part of the Maputo Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement which was signed between Renamo and Frelimo leaders on August 6. The agreement formally ended months of fighting between Renamo rebels and the Defense and Security Forces.

Advice

Individuals in Mozambique are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public, avoid polling stations and any public demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.