Mozambique’s Post-Election Protests Lead to Power Plant Shutdowns and Border Closures

Post-election protests in Mozambique have forced the shutdown of two power plants, severely impacting energy supply in the southern region. The protests arose from claims of electoral fraud by the opposition against the ruling Frelimo party. Tensions have escalated, leading to regional traffic disruptions and safety concerns near the South African border, with the death toll from protests continuing to rise.

Following the recent elections in Mozambique, significant protests have emerged, leading to the shutdown of two key power plants managed by Electricidade de Moçambique. Demonstrators, protesting the ruling Frelimo party’s claimed victory, have demanded a complete cessation of energy production at the Ressano Garcia and Gigawatt thermoelectric plants. The unrest ensued after the opposition, led by Venancio Mondlane, declared the election results fraudulent, leading to a substantial shortfall in energy supply, affecting approximately 30 percent of the region’s energy needs. The protests have also resulted in intermittent closures of the South African border, exacerbating the situation further amid fears for public safety. Traffic disruptions were reported around the plants, and the unrest has escalated since Mondlane’s recent claims of assassination attempts, raising tensions in an already volatile political environment in the country.

Mozambique has witnessed increasing political unrest following the October 9 elections, wherein the ruling Frelimo party proclaimed a victory marred by allegations of electoral fraud from opposition figures. Venancio Mondlane, the main opposition candidate, has experienced threats to his life and has sought refuge in South Africa, further intensifying public sentiment against the government. The situation has been exacerbated by violent interactions between security forces and anti-government demonstrators, leading to an extensive death toll since protests surged from October 21.

The ongoing protests in Mozambique highlight the heightened political tensions following alleged electoral fraud, leading to severe disruptions in energy production and public safety concerns. The situation reflects a deep divide within the nation’s political landscape, demanding immediate attention to restore order and address the grievances of the opposition and citizens alike. As the Constitutional Council prepares to affirm the election results, the potential for further unrest looms large, underscoring the need for dialogue and resolution.

Original Source: www.barrons.com