Mozambique has announced plans to strengthen security along a crucial trade corridor with South Africa to minimize disruptions caused by ongoing post-election unrest. The protests, which have followed the disputed October elections, have resulted in the deaths of approximately 130 people and significant economic losses for both nations.
Senior officials from Mozambique and South Africa held talks as concerns mount over the possibility of intensified demonstrations following the Constitutional Council’s announcement of the final election results on Monday. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who disputes the election outcome, has vowed to escalate protests and disrupt the economy if the council upholds the victory of ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo.
Protesters have paralyzed city centers, disrupted power plants, blocked mining operations, and intermittently closed the main border crossing between Mozambique and South Africa. These actions have severely affected freight traffic, halting the daily flow of trucks carrying South African exports to Maputo’s port. According to the Road Freight Association, each day of disruption costs South Africa’s economy 10 million rand ($558,000).
Mozambique’s Transport Minister, Mateus Magala, reported losses of $54 million at Maputo’s port due to the protests. Freight traffic, which typically sees 1,100 trucks a day, had dropped to as low as 300 vehicles daily during the unrest.
Joint Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
Following the talks, a joint statement highlighted the severe impact of the disruptions on trade and the movement of goods between the two countries. The statement also warned of potential food and energy insecurity if the situation persists.
Mozambique’s Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, assured that measures would be implemented to safeguard economic stability, including deploying defense forces to escort goods if necessary. “We are determined to protect our economies from further harm,” he said.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of respecting Mozambique’s Constitutional Council as the ultimate authority on the election results, while also preparing for any eventualities.