Ongoing unrest in Mozambique will negatively impact its economy & SA - BMA

KOMATIPOORT - The economic impact of ongoing political unrest in Mozambique is set to have a major negative impact on the country’s economy and South Africa.

A key chrome hub, Mozambique’s Maputo port stopped receiving cargo as of Thursday morning due to the unrest, as hundreds of trucks, ferrying coal and chrome, remain stranded on the N4 in Mpumalanga.

As tensions continue to mount, eyes remain firm on an announcement of the election recount in the country’s capital of Maputo, which can either end or worsen the situation.

READ: At least 30 people killed in clashes with police, military in Mozambique

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) said that their hands are tied when it comes to the movement of trucks in and out of Mozambique.

The Lebombo border was again closed on Thursday afternoon as tensions in Mozambique continue to escalate between protesters and police.

BMA commissioner, Michael Masiapato, said that given the seriousness of the situation, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) would need to intervene, a move that is already on the cards in terms of finding a solution.

He said that if not, it spelled dire economic consequences for both South Africa and Mozambique.

"In terms of the broader business, particularly in terms of the movement of cargo from SA into Mozambique, destined to the world through the Maputo port, there’s a very serious impact."

Fifteen border officials from Mozambique were forced to flee to South Africa on Thursday afternoon as threats from protesters mounted on the Mozambican border side.