The Border Management Authority (BMA) has suspended the processing of trucks at South Africa’s main border post with Mozambique as the neighbouring country remained tense following disputed elections.
BMA commissioner Mike Masiapato said Lebombo Border Post was only clearing small vehicles and pedestrians to cross the border into Mozambique.
“Until we are given assurance that indeed even if the protest is to kick in, the corridor is protected by military as well as the police on the Mozambican side so that we can able to push the trucks, but for now we are not pushing any trucks,” Masiapato told state media on Tuesday.
The decision to suspend truck processing came as Mozambique’s Constitutional Council declared the ruling party, Frelimo, on Monday as the winner of elections held in October.
The announcement has sparked further protests and unrest in Mozambique, with opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who claims the election was rigged, vowing to lead an unprecedented uprising.
The post-election impasse has led to significant disruptions in Mozambique amid allegations of rigging and massive protests by opposition groups and election observer missions.
The unrest has had a severe impact on the economies of both South Africa and Mozambique, with the Lebombo border post being a critical route for trade and transportation.
The suspension of truck processing is expected to exacerbate the economic strain caused by the ongoing political crisis.
JN/APA