South Africa has expressed concern over the worsening effects of protests in Mozambique after its just ended general elections which have been touted by opposition groups as highly marred by fraud.
Demonstrations per reports, started after Mozambique’s electoral commission declared the ruling party Frelimo the winner of the Oct. 9 election, extending its 49-year rule.
The protest which has lasted for over three weeks has claimed the lives of 18 people.
South African authorities in an end to end press statement noted that the Lebombo port of entry in its Mpumalanga province has been closed after receiving reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” it said, adding that seven Mozambican officials had requested refuge in South Africa for safety and protection.
Meanwhile, Mozambicans will culminate the protests with a march on the capital Maputo on Thursday. Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume said on Tuesday the military was ready to intervene and warned against attempts to grab power.