Protesters occupied National Road 4 near the Ressano Garcia border, blocking the largest land crossing between Mozambique and South Africa, in the first of three days of protests called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
The border, approximately 90 kilometres from Maputo, fully reopened on Saturday after clashes instigated by protesters restricted crossing for about a week, which led to an increased police presence around the border. Access, however, was once again blocked this morning as people resumed their protest.
Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has called for fresh demonstrations nationwide over three days, starting today (Wednesday), in all provincial capitals, including Maputo, to contest the electoral process. He stated that the aim is to make an impact on the country’s fragile economy.
“We will demonstrate at borders, in ports, and in provincial capitals. Let’s halt all activities to show that the people have had enough,” Mondlane declared on Monday via social media, where he announced the “fourth phase” of protests against the general election results of 9 October, which granted the ruling party, Frelimo, and its candidate Daniel Chapo, a clear victory.
The protests were not confined to the Ressano Garcia border post today. The Machipanda border post, which connects to Zimbabwe, was also closed.
In the city of Nampula, residents attempted to protest but were met with gunfire from police. According to eyewitness accounts, at least six people were killed and many more injured. Most of those killed were reportedly shot at home and at work by unidentified police. This information could not be immediately confirmed by the AT news agency.
On Tuesday, the General Commander of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), Bernardino Rafael, stated that “enough is enough” regarding demonstrations and strikes, which he likened to “urban terrorism” aimed at “altering the constitutional order.”
“It is urgent to say enough to the violent demonstrations that seek to sabotage the major projects our country achieved since independence and that are the hope of the coming generation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mozambican Business Association (CTA) estimated on Tuesday that the damage caused by ten days of strikes and demonstrations amounted to 24.8 billion meticais (approximately $370 million), with 151 business units vandalised.
“With these demonstrations and the resulting suspension of economic activity, we have seen the commerce, logistics, and transport sectors being the most affected, with total losses and a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) impact amounting to 24.8 billion meticais, or roughly 2.2% of our GDP,” said CTA Chairman, Agostinho Vuma.
The Mozambican Attorney General’s Office announced that it has opened 208 criminal cases to hold the “moral and material” instigators of violence during post-election demonstrations accountable, including Venâncio Mondlane.
“To date, 208 criminal cases have been initiated, involving homicides, bodily injuries, property damage, incitement to collective disobedience, conspiracy to commit crimes against state security, and violent attempts to alter the rule of law,” stated the Attorney General’s Office in a communiqué.
