KOMATIPOORT – Mass protests in Mozambique are expected to intensify on Thursday following a week of politically-fuelled civil unrest.
This follows allegations of election rigging in the wake of the country’s presidential election last month.
The Frelimo party, which had governed the country since its independence in 1975, retained power with an over 70% majority vote.
Dozens of protesters have been reportedly killed by police during violent clashes, following calls from the official opposition to take to the streets in demanding transparency.
As a result, South Africa temporarily closed the Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga.
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Border Management Authority (BMA) head Michael Masiapato said police and border officials remained on high alert following a confrontation with irate Mozambicans on Wednesday, and committed to providing an update on Thursday.
“Because of the number of Mozambicans on the South African side who wanted to go back home, they were starting to become a bit restless. So on that basis, we then spoke to the leadership of the SAPS [South African Police Service] to bring in Public Order Policing. They came over, and they are the ones who you can see are here to make sure there is no public disorder,” said Masiapato.
Masiapato said according to Mozambican authorities, Thursday should mark the last day of protest action.
“The protesters have indicated that their protest is running for seven days, so today is the last day.*
He said this may result in further threats.
“The intention is that they are going to fully amplify day seven. The intention is for them to go to the state house and do all the things they want to do.”
Meanwhile, South Africans are being cautioned to postpone any travel to Mozambique.
“Given the current security situation in Mozambique, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation encourages all South Africans to postpone non-essential visits to the country until further notice,” the minister’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said.
On Wednesday evening, the Mozambican government deployed the military in anticipation of Thursday’s demonstrations.
Orrin Singh
www.ewn.co.za
