South Africa has decided to close its main border crossing with Mozambique temporarily due to safety concerns arising from escalating protests against the disputed election results in Mozambique. The protests have led to at least 18 deaths, with opposition supporters accusing the ruling party, Frelimo, of electoral fraud.
Security forces in Mozambique have responded to the protests with tear gas and live ammunition, while the government has restricted internet access and threatened to deploy the army. The Lebombo port of entry in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province was closed after reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side, with seven Mozambican officials seeking refuge in South Africa for safety.
The protests, organized by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who claims to have won the election despite official results placing him second, are set to culminate in a march on the capital, Maputo. The electoral commission has not addressed allegations of fraud, and Frelimo has remained silent on the matter.
Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume has stated that the military is prepared to intervene to prevent any attempts to seize power during the protests. The Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights has reported 24 deaths due to police violence, while Human Rights Watch has verified 18 deaths but believes there may be more.
The interior minister of Mozambique has defended the police response, stating that the protests were violent and required security forces to restore public order, resulting in casualties. The situation remains tense as protesters continue to demand justice and transparency in the electoral process.
