Protests in Mozambique shut down power plants amidst deadly unrest

In Mozambique, political unrest has erupted following the contentious outcomes of elections held on October 9, 2024. The ruling party, Frelimo, claimed victory, but opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane contested these results, asserting he had actually won. The resulting discord has led to widespread protests across the country, which have intensified, particularly in Maputo, the capital. Demonstrators have voiced grievances regarding unemployment, corruption, and police brutality. Such civil unrest has sparked violent confrontations with security forces, resulting in significant casualties, with estimates indicating over 100 deaths since late October. The situation has escalated as the protests spread to vital infrastructure, including two power plants, with demonstrators demanding their shutdown to express dissent against the government's legitimacy. This unrest has not only impacted the national power supply but has also severely disrupted transportation networks and trade, particularly affecting neighboring Eswatini's crucial sugar exports that rely on the Maputo port for international shipping. As the protests have led to intermittent border closures, they have exacerbated supply chain issues, prompting calls for neighboring countries to rethink their dependence on Mozambican infrastructure for trade. Political analysts urge the Southern African Development Community to bolster conflict management strategies in light of Mozambique's instability, which poses a broader risk to regional economic stability. Furthermore, escalating unrest raises concerns about the legitimacy of Mozambique's democratic processes and could instigate more profound regional conflicts if not addressed promptly.