‘Postpone non-essential travel to Mozambique’: Lamola engages his Mozambican counterpart amid rising tensions
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has had a telephonic conversation with his Mozambican counterpart, Minister Verónica Macamo, and the two ministers reflected on the current security situation in Mozambique, following the recent general elections.
IOL reported on Wednesday that the busy Lebombo port of entry, bordering South Africa and Mozambique, had temporarily been closed due to safety concerns and escalation of violence in the neighbouring country.
The vast southern African nation has been rocked by violent clashes and protests in several cities following the disputed October 9 presidential election.
“South Africa expresses concern at the outbreak of incidents of post-electoral violence and regrets the loss of lives and destruction of property,” said Lamola’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
“We once again reiterate the call made by various leaders in Mozambique to the law enforcement agencies to speedily investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Department of International Relations was calling for restraint as tensions simmer in Mozambique.
“South Africa calls for calm and restraint, to allow the electoral process to conclude successfully, and give the Constitutional Court of Mozambique time and space to validate the election results in accordance with its mandate,” said Phiri.
Furthermore, South Africa has welcomed the convening of the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit and the SADC Extraordinary Summit, set for November 20, in Zimbabwe.
At the gathering, Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of State will receive a report on the recent political developments in the region, including elections in Mozambique, Botswana, and Mauritius.
Phiri said the summits would be preceded by meetings of senior officials and ministers, from November 15.
“Given the current security situation in Mozambique, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation encourages all South Africans to postpone non-essential visits to the country until further notice,” he said.
Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato on Tuesday said he had received reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo port of entry.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” according to BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.
She said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port of entry.
IOL