Mozambique soldiers patrol the streets after a protest in Maputo this week. Protests began after opposition leader Venancio Mondlane disputed the outcome of the October elections. It was announced that the governing party, Frelimo, had won. Picture: AFP
As South Africans prepare for the end of year holidays, a tourism organisation says travellers to Mozambique should maintain close contact with their tourism service providers to ensure they get accurate, up to date information.
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) was commenting yesterday after anti-government protests flared up again on Wednesday.
Mozambique is currently facing political instability following disputed election results, which have led to clashes between government forces and protesters.
AFP reported that anti-government protesters and security forces clashed across Mozambique on Wednesday with at least two deaths reported.
The South African Border Management Authority stated on Thursday that the movement of trucks passing through the Lebombo border post has resumed after disruptions to freight travel on Wednesday."
In a brief statement to The Mercury, the Border Management Authority said, “What we can confirm is that everything is back to normal. There had been disruptions yesterday (Wednesday), but cargo and people are now moving freely.”
SATSA said that while there was no immediate cause for alarm, visitors to Mozambique should assess the situation carefully.
Oupa Pilane, chairperson of SATSA, noted that while localised protests continued, particularly in urban areas like Maputo, the nature of these demonstrations had evolved.
Recent protests have taken more symbolic forms, such as wearing black clothing, coordinated horn honking, and pot-banging at specific times, he said.
“What's crucial for travellers to understand is that major tourist destinations, including Inhambane, Vilankulo, and Ponta do Ouro, remain unaffected by these events and continue to operate normally. These areas are geographically removed from the protest activities and maintain their usual high standards of service and hospitality,” he stated.
Regarding border crossings, Pilane acknowledged that the Ressano Garcia border post has experienced intermittent disruptions. He advised travellers to consider alternative border crossings such as Ponta do Ouro, Namaacha, and Goba, particularly during peak holiday periods.
“For those who prefer to avoid road travel altogether, flying directly to their destination remains a reliable option, as airports continue to operate normally,” he added.
“Rather than encouraging blanket postponements, we advise travellers to maintain close contact with their tourism service providers, who can offer real-time, accurate information about specific destinations and routes. These providers are our eyes and ears on the ground and can provide the most current guidance for safe and enjoyable travel experiences,” he said.
Regarding the impact on the movement of goods from South African to Mozambique, the Southern Africa Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) called on the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to intervene swiftly.
The South African business community has expressed concern over the slow response from SADC, urging member states to take immediate action as mediators to restore law and order and stabilise trade operations, which are critical to the regional economy.
In a statement, SAAFF said: “These actions are critical to the safety of citizens on both sides of the border and to prevent the destruction of vital infrastructure that enables the efficient flow of regional and international trade and cargo through, to, and from the Port of Maputo, as well as further inland.”
They noted that infrastructure at the Ressano Garcia Border Post and the KM4 facility has suffered significant damage, and ongoing violence threatens to cause further disruptions.
“Lives are being lost, and livelihoods are at risk across the Southern Africa region,” the statement added.
At issue in Mozambique is the disputed results of the October 9 election.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has rejected the results of the vote and led a weeks-long standoff.
On Wednesday, police opened fire and killed two protesters as hundreds of people gathered in the northern city of Nampula who had blocked traffic with barricades and burning tyres, a civil society activist told AFP.
The protesters had confronted the police sent to break up the blockade, which also stopped a train transporting coal from reaching the city's port, said Ivaldo Nazare from the Solidariedade Mocambique group.
Angry clashes also erupted in the capital Maputo after a military vehicle knocked down a woman who was standing behind a large banner of Mondlane set up in the middle of a busy road.
In a video of the incident that went viral on social media, the armoured vehicle is seen driving over the woman. Other clips show her being helped into another vehicle, apparently alive but in a serious condition.
Protesters stoned the vehicle and security forces, who responded with tear gas and bullets.
The armed forces confirmed in a statement later that one of its vehicles had struck a woman by accident. The vehicle was on a mission to clear roads blocked as part of the demonstrations, it said, and the victim was being treated in hospital.
The US, Britain, Canada, Norway and Switzerland condemned "the escalation of violence against civilians".
The countries in a statement called on the government of Mozambique “to investigate reports of disproportionate use of force, ensuring accountability in accordance with the law".
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