Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for three days of nationwide protests, set to begin Wednesday, targeting Mozambique’s major cities, border posts, and seaports. The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations against what Mondlane and his supporters describe as a “stolen election” following the controversial outcome of the October 9th general elections.
In a Facebook post, Mondlane, a former Renamo leader who now leads his own movement, reiterated his commitment to the cause, vowing that the protests would continue “until electoral truth is restored” and violence against Mozambicans ceases. The call for action comes amid a tense political climate, where at least 40 people have died in violence that erupted after Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the elections.
The protests, which have already caused significant unrest, have included road blockages, demonstrations at border crossings, and clashes between protesters and security forces. The Mozambican government has faced increasing pressure from opposition groups, including former allies in Renamo, who are rallying behind Mondlane’s call for justice and accountability.
Truck drivers in Ressano Garcia, a key border post with South Africa, have been instructed to block roads in solidarity with the protests, further complicating cross-border trade. The closure of the border during earlier demonstrations led to severe food shortages in southern Mozambique, a region that relies heavily on imports from South Africa. The Mozambican Tax Authority (AT) has warned that continued unrest could deepen the country’s economic challenges.
While the protests have been largely peaceful in recent days, there have been incidents of violence and looting, including an attack on a South African-owned Shoprite store in Maputo. Mondlane urged his supporters to refrain from vandalism, asking them to “be patient” and hold onto hope for eventual victory.
Economic Impact of Ongoing Unrest
The ongoing demonstrations have already taken a toll on Mozambique’s economy, with the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP) estimating that the unrest has cost the country approximately 2% of its GDP. The country’s tourism sector has been particularly affected, with widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals. Muhammad Abdullah, a representative of the Confederation of Economic Associations, noted that the demonstrations have seriously damaged confidence in Mozambique’s tourism industry, especially among visitors from Portugal and Angola.
“We are seeing a collapse in tourism bookings as a result of the instability, which is bad for the country and its economy,” Abdullah told reporters.
In addition to local protests, demonstrations have also taken place outside Mozambican embassies in Angola, Brazil, and Portugal, as the international community continues to monitor the situation. Last week, the Portuguese opposition raised concerns in parliament about the escalating tensions in the former colony, urging the government to take action.
Political Divisions and Regional Concerns
Mondlane’s call for protests follows a period of political turbulence within Renamo, Mozambique’s main opposition party, after he failed to unseat Ossufo Momade as its leader in 2023. Despite this, Mondlane has garnered support from other opposition factions, including from Momade’s Renamo, with many leaders now rallying behind his challenge to the election results.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is expected to discuss the situation in Mozambique at its upcoming summit next week, as concerns grow about the potential for further violence and political instability in the country.
As Mozambique braces for continued unrest, the road ahead remains uncertain, with Mondlane’s call for demonstrations fueling an already tense political landscape. The situation has drawn attention from both local and international observers, with many awaiting the outcome of the planned protests and any potential responses from the government.