As Mozambique faces a political crisis following a chaotic national election and violent protests, the situation on its southern border with South Africa has become increasingly volatile, impacting trade and travel.
Violence in Mozambique has forced trade and travel to be diverted from South Africa’s Libombo border post to Eswatini’s Mananga border post, which is acting as an interim lifeline for people seeking entry from Mozambique. There is.
Michael Masipato, head of the South African Border Agency, told VOA that although authorities have the crisis under control, it continues to pose significant challenges.
“Even if we deploy the military, even if we deploy police in the corridor (between the capital Maputo and the border), we cannot cover all the areas,” he said.
He said the protests were “very sporadic” and “very widespread.”
Mozambique has been plunged into chaos after presidential candidate Daniel Chapo’s controversial election victory on Monday, with many killed in violent protests.
Some analysts expressed concern that continued political violence could destabilize regional security, impede economic development, and lead to arms proliferation and criminal activity.
Mozambican political analyst Solomon Mondrain told VOA he was cautiously optimistic that efforts by South Africa and Europe would help calm the situation.
“The situation is volatile,” Mondrain said, adding: “The good news is that there are increasing calls from different countries, from South Africa and other European countries, for further dialogue. South Africa is open to dialogue. “I have expressed my intention,” he said. Promote dialogue.
“We are aware that the ANC-led government in South Africa supports the ruling Frelimo party,” he said. “They were the first to congratulate Frelimo on their victory in the fraudulent elections.However, we are glad that they have responded to our call for readiness to promote dialogue between Mozambique’s opposition and ruling parties. I think so.”
Levy Ndu, a South African political analyst and lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology in Johannesburg, said efforts by regional actors to engage in dialogue with the Mozambican government were a sign that many people in the region were seeking peace and stability. He said he believed that it was promoting the
“Of course, if the situation gets out of hand, SADC intervention will be needed to ensure peace and stability and indeed the continuation of economic activity,” Ndou said. To the Southern African Development Community.
SADC chairman and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the regional bloc stands ready to support Mozambique.
