Lebombo border is temporarily closed due to violent protests in Mozambique. Image: AP.
(The Post News)- With Mozambique located on the primary trade route between Zimbabwe and South Africa, the Lebombo border crossing has briefly been shut down for safety precaution, as there are protests occurring in Mozambique.
People in Mozambique are protesting because they are unhappy with the latest election outcomes. The protests commenced following the elections on October 9, 2024, in which the governing party Frelimo (Mozambique Liberation Front) declared triumph. The border crossing is a segment of the Maputo Corridor, connecting the industrial areas of Gauteng in South Africa to the port of Maputo in Mozambique. The Maputo Development Corridor links Maputo to South Africa’s Gauteng province and offers access to South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.
Exporters and importers in South Africa have started to increasingly utilize the Port of Maputo because of delays, expenses, and other issues at the Port of Durban.
In 2020, the border post handled 14.2 million items, accounting for 46% of the overall trade volume with South Africa’s neighboring countries.
The protests began at the end of October in Maputo following the official declaration of Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, as the winner with over 71% of the votes. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who finished second with 20% of the votes, concealed himself before the results were revealed. Mondlane expressed concern for his safety following the murder of his aide and lawyer as they prepared to contest the results.
The protests have resulted in violent confrontations with the police, and at least 18 people have died, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The internet and social media access have been limited. A widespread strike initiated by Mondlane persists, even with the prime minister’s request for individuals to resume work. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Cristóvão Chume warned of deploying the military before national protests scheduled for Thursday. Chume stated that the protests after the election aimed to alter the democratically established authority.
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