South Africa Shuts Key Border as Violent Post-Election Protests Rock Mozambique

South Africa has temporarily closed the Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique following violent unrests linked to disputed election results in Mozambique. The Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner, Michael Masiapato, announced the closure early Thursday after Mozambican officials sought refuge in South Africa, fleeing violent protests in their country. Masiapato stated that the protests had escalated in Ressano Garcia, where locals attacked Mozambican officials and looted a truck-processing facility known as Kilometre Four, a few minutes from the border.

Mozambican protesters, reportedly unhappy with the election outcome that declared Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the victor with over 71% of the vote, have been moving towards the Ressano Garcia border. Tensions are high, with buildings set ablaze on the Mozambican side and vehicles torched. Fearing further violence, Masiapato confirmed that the South African authorities would not process documentation for individuals at the Lebombo port of entry to ensure public safety. “We have no option but to close our border,” he said.

In response to the crisis, the BMA, together with the South African National Defence Force and police, have set up proactive security measures to prevent the protests from spilling into South Africa. Masiapato assured the public that South African territory was not expected to be affected by the unrest, as local security forces were prepared to block any potential threats. However, reports from Maputo suggest that Mozambican demonstrators are likely headed back to the capital in response to a general strike called by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. Mondlane, who garnered 20% of the vote and alleges electoral fraud, had gone into hiding, fearing for his safety after his lawyer and aide were killed while preparing to contest the results.

The volatile situation has seen Mozambique’s Defence Minister, Cristóvão Chume, threatening to deploy the army ahead of the protests. Chume asserted that these demonstrations aimed to “change the democratically established power.” With internet and social media restricted, reports of unrest and casualties continue to surface. Human Rights Watch has stated that at least 18 people have been killed in violent clashes with law enforcement.

In light of the instability, South African authorities have advised the freight industry to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as trucks queuing for entry have formed a 15-kilometer line from Komatipoort to Lebombo. The BMA commissioner emphasized that while the current closure is a temporary measure, it will be upheld until further notice to ensure the safety of travelers and prevent any escalation and spillover of violence.