In the interest of public safety, the Lebombo border has been temporarily closed until further notice due to security incidents in Mozambique.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travelers, traders, and officials operating at the port as vehicles are reportedly being torched on the Mozambican side of the border.
LEBOMBO BORDER CLOSED DUE TO VIOLENT IN MOZAMBIQUE
The BMA is coordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and work towards reopening the port as soon as it is safe.
“We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo Port until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible, at the moment, until the situation has stabilized,” BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said.
Masiapato said South African officials are on the ground providing assistance, and seven officials from the Mozambican side have requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection.
“The BMA and its counterparts are working urgently to address the situation, and we appreciate the cooperation we are receiving at the moment,” he added.
The BMA and SARS will continue to provide real-time updates through official channels and notify stakeholders as soon as the port is deemed safe to reopen.
WHAT CAUSED THE VIOLENT PROTESTS?
Mozambique held general elections in October and the ruling. According to the official results, the Frelimo party’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, secured 70.7% of the vote, ensuring the party that has ruled Mozambique since independence in 1975 remained in power. However, there were widespread allegations of rigging, The Guardian reported.
Opposition parties called for an election re-run, citing rigging. Residents started protesting against the results and at least 11 people including a two-year-old child have been shot dead by police who fired to disperse the protestors.
According to The Guardian, human rights researchers have said that the shootings fit a pattern of opposition politicians, journalists, activists and lawyers being killed and no one being brought to justice.
TRAVELLERS WARNED TO POSTPONE THEIR TRIPS
In October, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) warned travellers to consider postponing their trips to Mozambique due to the post-election protests.
SATSA and Africa’s Eden Tourism warned that travellers should consider postponing travel plans to Mozambique if possible as there may be disruptions to normal operations, particularly in Maputo and at key border crossings.
Travellers to Mozambique might experience interruptions at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post, potential business disruptions, protest action (especially in Maputo), impacts from a proposed nationwide strike, and possible security force presence.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE?
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