South Africa has shut down one of its main border crossings with Mozambique because of intense violence erupting after a controversial election in Mozambique last month. The Lebombo port, an essential connection between the two countries, has been closed for safety reasons, according to South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA). This border is located about 110 kilometers from Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, and 440 kilometers from South Africa’s capital, Pretoria.
Since Mozambique’s presidential election on October 9, tension has skyrocketed in the country. The Mozambican Center for Democracy and Human Rights has reported that violent police crackdowns on protests have led to at least 24 deaths. This violence started when Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, claimed a landslide victory, declaring their candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner with over 71% of the vote. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who received only 20% of the vote, has accused the Frelimo party of rigging the election and has led massive demonstrations to protest the results. Mondlane’s supporters are also outraged by the murders of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and Podemos party spokesperson Paulo Guambe.
These protests have only grown in intensity, especially near the border with South Africa. Vehicles and buildings on Mozambique’s side of the border have been set on fire, turning the area into a scene of chaos. The danger even led seven Mozambican officials to cross the border and seek safety in South Africa. In response to this violent outbreak, South Africa’s BMA commissioner, Michael Masiapato, ordered the closure of the Lebombo port, announcing that the crossing would remain closed until further notice.
Mozambique is bracing for even more protests, with its defense minister warning that the army could be deployed to keep “democratically elected” officials in power. Amnesty International has called on nearby countries and organizations, including the African Union, to intervene to prevent further deaths and human rights abuses in Mozambique.
The once peaceful border region now finds itself in the middle of a political storm, with South Africa on high alert and Mozambique’s future hanging in the balance.
