Mozambique reopened its border posts yesterday as protests in Maputo and other cities calmed down.
The unrest was triggered by allegations of election fraud. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane claimed he won the October elections but said the results were tampered with.
Mondlane, who leads the opposition party Podemos, accused the ruling party, Frelimo, of rigging the elections. Officially, Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was declared the winner with 71% of the vote, but many people, especially Mondlane’s supporters, are skeptical and angry.
Calm returned to the streets after Mondlane announced on Friday that he would share his next steps on Monday. Journalist Fernando Goncalves Andre reported that there were no new protests yesterday, but he warned that the peace might not last, depending on Mondlane’s upcoming message.
The protests included violent clashes with security forces, resulting in at least three deaths and over 70 injuries. Videos on social media showed police using live bullets and tear gas against demonstrators.
To manage the situation, the government limited access to social media and the internet. Some high-ranking officials, including outgoing president Filipe Nyusi, moved to Pemba for safety, and Rwandan troops were sent to protect important gas fields.
Violence also affected border posts with South Africa. The Ressano Garcia and Lebombo crossings were closed last week after a police officer shot and killed a schoolchild during a protest.
This incident led to widespread unrest, including the burning of customs offices and looting of trucks.
As trade resumes, concerns grow about Mozambique’s economic stability, especially because of its reliance on gas exports.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold an urgent meeting on November 20 to discuss the crisis, with preliminary talks starting on November 15.
