South Africa’s business sector has called on the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to swiftly address the political impasse in Mozambique, citing significant disruptions to regional trade and logistics.
Southern Africa Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) chief executive Juanita Maree said Tuesday that the political conflict in Mozambique has exacerbated existing pressures on South Africa’s supply chain.
The violence that accompanied post-election protests last week damaged infrastructure at Mozambique’s Ressano Garcia Border Post, a development Maree said further threatened regional stability.
She warned that the implications of this crisis would be felt for months and years, with significant pressure on government resources for rebuilding and repairs.
She urged SADC to take immediate action to mediate the situation, restore law and order and stabilise trade operations.
These measures are crucial for the safety of citizens and the protection of critical infrastructure that supports regional and international trade through the Port of Maputo.
Maree said the predictability required for international competitiveness is at risk, jeopardising fragile supply chains that rely on the Maputo Corridor.
JN/APA