SA-Mozambique border closed in face of Frelimo's questionable elections victory
The Border Management Authority says it made the decision following reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the border.
Supporters of the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS) kneels over flowers placed in memory of two slain associates of the party during a strike called in Maputo, on 21 October 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Travellers between South Africa and Mozambique have been urged to avoid the Lebombo border post on Tuesday morning after all activity was halted at the point of entry overnight.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) said it made the decision following reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the border.
It’s understood sporadic protests erupted in Maputo this week amid post-election disruptions.
The BMA’s spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi, says South African law enforcement agencies are in talks with Mozambican authorities.
“We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo port of entry until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible, at the moment until the situation has stabilised.”
Last month, the ruling Frelimo party’s Daniel Chapo won 70.7% of the votes.
However, allegations of vote rigging sparked violent demonstrations.
During a media briefing on Monday, the country’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume announced they’re considering deploying the military to quell tensions.
The deadly protests continue to disrupt activities in Mozambique – almost a month after citizens cast their ballots.
On 9 October, Mozambicans made their mark in what was described as a watershed election, with the Frelimo Party clinching victory.
What’s important to note is that before citizens took to the polls, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance highlighted so-called “ghost voters” in seven of the country’s 10 provinces.
Despite the concerns, the elections went ahead.
Frelimo’s triumph was quickly labelled fraudulent by the opposition, causing widespread retaliation.
International observers including the European Union have reported serious irregularities in Mozambique’s election process, suggesting manipulation by the electoral body in Frelimo’s favour.
On Monday, South Africa’s BMA closed the Lebombo border between the two countries due to the ongoing tension.