Mozambique’s Election Chaos Blocks Borders, Emptying Markets And Fuelling Worries

Markets in Maputo are losing their pulse due to the protests that have continued after the elections and it has resulted in a dire shortage for staple commodities. Import foods like carrots, onions, and potatoes which are imported from the South African region are close to impossible to source as notable road block protests continue over election disputes.

The recent unrest all around is because of the opposition leader Venancio Mondlane’s request for a re-evaluation of results after the elections held on 9th October, that has been two months ago. The results reported Mondlane receiving around 20% of the votes while the head of the ruling party Free Mozambique Liberation Front Daniel Chapo was announced the winner after garnering over 71% as votes.

Due to these protests the Lebombo border which is the point of primary intake for South Africa has been markedly affected, businessmen have been frustrated as trucks filled with vegetables meat and poultry have not been able to make into south Africa while being stuck for several days. According to reports after four days and two nights of being stuck in queues for over a hundred trucks some trucks carrying goods such as potatoes were found to be spoilt and left to throw. While holding the Mukheristas importer’s association Siudecar Novela explained the details surrounding the truck congestion and its effect.

Effects of the economy are also being witnessed across the South Africa Border and according to the Road Freight Association, the daily interruptions set the economy back by about 10 million rand (around $558,000).