Kosi Bay Border Post, South Africa – Starting in mid-October, South African border checkpoints have frequently been closed for extended periods due to disturbances on the Mozambican side, including road blockages and attacks on trucks. As a result, Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, has begun to face shortages of food items imported from South Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Mozambique’s Minister of Interior, Pascoal Ronda, have warned that food and energy security in both nations are at significant risk if the shared border remains closed and trade disruptions continue. The ongoing unrest in Mozambique, which has persisted for over two months, has caused substantial negative impacts on both countries’ economies and hindered the free movement of people and goods across their borders.
A joint statement issued by the ministers emphasized the widespread effects on businesses, many of which have suffered losses due to trade disruptions. The ministers warned that if the situation persists, it could lead to severe food and energy insecurity for both nations.
The border in question stretches over 491 kilometers and features six checkpoints through which a large portion of trade between the two nations passes. The Lebombo border post is the largest and busiest of these points.
The unrest began after Mozambique’s October 9 presidential and parliamentary elections, when opposition protests erupted following the announcement of preliminary results. The ruling FRELIMO party, led by presidential candidate Daniel Chapo, claimed victory, but opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who was the runner-up, rejected the results and called for protests, which included road blockages and incidents of looting and violence.
The Constitutional Council of Mozambique is expected to announce the final election results on December 23, amid continued unrest that threatens the stability of the region and the economic ties between South Africa and Mozambique.
