South Africa has issued a formal warning to its citizens planning to travel to Mozambique, highlighting the risks associated with political instability and post-election tension in the country. The warning was issued by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, after a bilateral meeting with the Mozambican authorities. Political tension, generated by protests over the outcome of the 9 October elections, continues to affect security on the ground, leading to a recommendation for tourists to exercise caution during the festive season.
The situation in Mozambique remains volatile, with protests and disturbances in urban areas and border areas, especially on the routes connecting the two countries. Instability is particularly worrying in the Maputo corridor, one of the main crossing points for goods and tourists, which has been affected by blockades and clashes. Lamola emphasised that the South African government’s priority is to guarantee the safety of its citizens, both in terms of tourism and the transport of goods.
In addition to the risks for tourists, the political tension in Mozambique has had a direct impact on bilateral trade, mainly affecting South African exports of minerals such as coal and chrome. The minister said that the situation is having significant repercussions on South Africa’s economy, with a 20% drop in export declarations between 9 October and 6 December, which represents a loss of approximately 260 million dollars (16.3 billion meticals).
The temporary blocking of some transport routes and increased difficulties in the Maputo corridor have also raised concerns about energy security, especially due to the transport of oil products and the vital gas pipeline that runs through the region.
During the meeting between the South African and Mozambican ministers, Lamola and Pascoal Ronda, Mozambique’s interior minister, stressed the importance of stepping up surveillance on the main transport routes, including rail and road transport, as well as the port of Maputo.
The Mozambican authorities pledged to improve security on the Maputo corridor, ensuring that the incidents that have occurred in recent weeks are not repeated. Ronda also assured that the Mozambican government is working to minimise the impact of the political crisis on trade and the free movement of people.
However, Lamola was keen to emphasise that the situation will not be easy for tourism. ‘The situation remains tense, and it will be difficult for tourists to visit Mozambique as normally as before. The safety of citizens will be continuously monitored, and we will issue additional alerts if necessary,’ said Lamola.
The South African government also said that it will closely follow the decisions of Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, which is dealing with the counting of contested votes, considering political developments as an important factor for stability in the region.
The South African government is awaiting the results of the investigations into the elections and the process of recounting the votes, in the hope that a peaceful resolution to the crisis will be reached. Lamola reiterated the need to respect the legal process and the Mozambican Constitution, which must serve as the basis for any definitive solution.
For his part, Pascoal Ronda confirmed that Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi had invited opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane to negotiations, although Mondlane has yet to attend. The lack of an agreement between the parties has further fuelled tension, and the Mozambican authorities are working to ensure that the situation stabilises as quickly as possible.
South Africa’s recommendation of caution is a reflection of concerns about security and stability in the region, which has implications for both citizens visiting Mozambique and the economies of both countries.
