South African Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BEIRA \u2014 Mozambican opposition leader Ven\u00e2ncio Mondlane has called on his supporters to target trade routes with South Africa and Zimbabwe in protest against the results of last month\u2019s election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his appeal, Mondlane stated,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will paralyse all activities,\u201d urging truck drivers to block routes leading to the Beira port, starting Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite Daniel Chapo of the ruling FRELIMO party being declared winner with 71% of the vote compared to Mondlane\u2019s 20%, the opposition leader declared himself the rightful winner, claiming the election was rigged. He asserted,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe poll was marred by irregularities, and we will not stand idly by.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, protests escalated as demonstrators destroyed buildings and vehicles at Mozambique\u2019s border with South Africa, prompting authorities to shut down this vital crossing, one of the busiest in the region. The unrest has already resulted in \u201cdozens of deaths,\u201d according to the 11m Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, following police actions involving teargas and live ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mondlane’s blockade threatens to disrupt Zimbabwe\u2019s access to Beira, a crucial port that handled a record cargo of 442,000 tonnes in July. The port is a key outlet for Zimbabwe, facilitating exports of tobacco, agricultural commodities, and minerals, as noted by Cornelder de Mo\u00e7ambique, the terminal operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeira is the lifeline for our exports,\u201d said a Zimbabwean exporter, highlighting the significance of the port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Beira serves as a gateway for South African exporters and copper mines from Zambia and the DRC, making the proposed disruptions particularly concerning for regional trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local and international observers have raised alarms over electoral irregularities, including reports of ballot box stuffing and discrepancies in vote tallies. The party representing Mondlane has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Council, which has yet to announce the final results. In a similar situation during the 2019 elections, it took until December 23 for the council to declare the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a related development, Mozambique has recently expanded the capacity of the pumping stations at the Beira fuel terminal. The $40 million project increased the terminal’s capacity from two million to three million cubic metres per year, enhancing fuel supply to Zimbabwe and neighboring countries through the Beira-Feruka-Harare pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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