The United States administration denounced the weekend deaths of two Mozambique opposition members, demanding a prompt and comprehensive inquiry ahead of protests against a disputed election outcome.

According to the US State Department website, the US is the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, providing approximately $560 million annually in aid. Washington, along with the EU and Portugal, condemned and demanded an investigation into the murders of opposition lawyer Elvino Dias and party official Paulo Guambe, who were shot in their car on Saturday.

“The United States condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“We join the calls made by all four of Mozambique’s national political parties in urging a swift and thorough investigation.”

In the capital Maputo, demonstrators gathering near the location where the two opposition party leaders were shot dead on Saturday following a contentious election were met with gunshots and tear gas by Mozambique police on Monday.

Early results from Mozambique’s general election on October 9 indicate that the ruling Frelimo party is projected to win again. The final results are anticipated this week. Candidates in opposition claim the poll was manipulated.

Since 1975, Frelimo has governed the southern African nation, and opposition leaders, civic society, and election monitors have accused him of electoral fraud. It refutes the accusations.

The State Department called on Mozambique’s political leaders, residents, stakeholders, and state institutions to settle electoral disputes legally and peacefully while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and violence.

Britain will not discuss reparations for historical transatlantic slavery at a Commonwealth conference that began in Samoa, but is open to leaders who do.

Leaders and officials from 56 former British colonies will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Pacific Island nation this week.

British governments have consistently opposed reparations, but CARICOM reparations panel chairperson Hilary Beckles expressed optimism for a shift under the new Labour administration after 14 years of Conservative control

King Charles and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will both be present at the Samoa conference. However, Starmer’s representative reaffirmed Monday that he had no plans to make amends.

“We do not pay reparations,” the spokesperson said. “The position on an apology remains the same. We won’t be offering an apology at CHOGM.”

Starmer’s spokeswoman stated that they would “continue to engage with partners on these issues” even though reparations are not on his “formal” Commonwealth agenda.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation at Caricom, which brings together 15 member states like Barbados and Jamaica, CHOGM offered a significant chance for reparations discussions and the region will bring up the subject there, Reuters reported.

Keith Rowley, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, stated in July that CARICOM has decided to “very forcefully” discuss reparations in Samoa. Reparations are supported by each of the three contenders for the Commonwealth’s next secretary-general position.

CARICOM has a plan for restitution that goes beyond making large financial contributions. It calls for formal apologies from European nations and calls for funding for educational initiatives, among other things.

Although it has been around for a while, the concept of reparations for slavery has been gaining traction globally. Proponents contend that the legacy of slavery has led to significant and enduring racial inequality in the modern day, while opponents argue that nations shouldn’t be held accountable for past wrongs.