Mozambique’s presidential runner-up, Venancio Mondlane, has announced a new wave of demonstrations set to take place from 13 to 15 November 2024, across various regions of the country. Speaking in a live social media appearance on Monday, Mondlane explained that these protests, marking the fourth phase of his ongoing campaign, would unfold in several stages, beginning on Wednesday.

“The demonstrations will be concentrated in provincial capitals,” Mondlane said, emphasising that the protests will involve citizens travelling to these capitals over the three-day period. In addition to the major cities, demonstrations will also target key economic points, such as border crossings and ports.

One of the most significant elements of the protests is the call for truck drivers to halt all operations along Mozambique’s national development corridors. Mondlane urged drivers to suspend services on critical trade routes, including the southern corridor linking South Africa and the central corridor that connects the country to neighbouring Malawi and Zimbabwe.

The impact of the shutdown is already being felt beyond Mozambique’s borders, with neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) facing economic strains. Malawi and Zimbabwe are already reporting shortages of fuel and other essential goods due to disruptions in trade, while border towns in South Africa are experiencing a sharp decline in business as Mozambican shoppers have largely disappeared.

Mondlane’s actions are part of ongoing protests following the Oct 9 contentious presidential elections, in which he was a key contender. The protests are expected to escalate in the coming days, with the opposition leader calling for greater political reforms and an end to alleged electoral irregularities.

Frelimo and its candidate Antonio Chapo were declared winners by the electoral commission on Oct 24.