By John Ikani
South Africa announced the temporary closure of its primary border with Mozambique on Wednesday, citing security concerns as protests in Mozambique, fueled by election dispute allegations, have grown more intense.
Human rights groups report that at least 18 people have lost their lives since demonstrations began, with opposition groups challenging the legitimacy of last month’s election, which extended the rule of Frelimo, Mozambique’s ruling party since independence in 1975.
Mozambican authorities have responded to the protests with heightened security measures, including tear gas, live ammunition, internet restrictions, and warnings of potential military deployment.
South Africa’s border authority, referencing reports of torched vehicles on the Mozambican side, confirmed the closure of the Lebombo border crossing in Mpumalanga province, explaining, “Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice.” It also revealed that seven Mozambican officials have sought refuge in South Africa, requesting protection.
A South African journalist from SABC posted a video on X showing a line of trucks, extending kilometres, stalled as they waited to cross the border.
The recent protests in Mozambique are part of a movement led by Venancio Mondlane, a presidential candidate who claims he secured a victory in the October 9 election despite official results placing him second. Mozambique’s electoral commission has avoided commenting on the alleged fraud, and Frelimo has also declined to respond.
Protesters plan to converge on Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, on Thursday to cap off a week of demonstrations. Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume stated on Tuesday that the military is prepared to intervene if needed and cautioned against any attempts to disrupt government authority.
The Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights reported 24 fatalities linked to police confrontations, while Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told Reuters that 18 deaths have been confirmed, though the actual toll may be higher.
Mozambique’s interior minister defended the actions of the police, stating that protests had grown violent, forcing security forces to act to maintain order, which regrettably resulted in loss of life.
