As the neighbouring Mozambique is on high alert with widespread demonstrations highly expected to take place this week, Thursday and Friday, following disputed presidential elections held earlier this month, the Malawi Consulate in Tete province has warned Malawian to stay away from the former Portuguese colony.
The mass protests billed to be on a larger scale have prompted the Malawian government through her Consulate in Tete to issue a travel advisory, warning Malawian road users to avoid the route.
Malawi’s Consul General to Mozambique, Happy Jonathan Sakah, has advised Malawian transporters, including bus drivers, to exercise extreme caution when using the Malawi-Mozambique route via Zimbabwe.
Sakah also urged Malawians residing in Mozambique to stay indoors during the two-day protest period to minimize potential disruptions.
“The Malawi Consulate has received official communication regarding the planned demonstrations,” Sakah said.
“We urge all Malawian nationals to take necessary precautions and avoid non-essential travel to Mozambique until the situation stabilizes.”
Malawian citizens and travelers are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to Mozambique until the situation stabilizes, monitor local news and official updates, stay indoors during protests, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
Mozambique’s October 2023 presidential elections have sparked controversy, with opposition parties alleging electoral irregularities and voter suppression.
The country’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) has faced criticism for its handling of the polls, leading to widespread discontent among opposition supporters.
The protests are being organized by opposition parties, including the Mozambican Democratic Movement (MDM) and the Renamo party, which have rejected the election results.
The demonstrations are expected to take place in major cities, including Maputo, Beira, and Nampula.
Mozambican authorities have deployed security forces to maintain order, but concerns remain about potential violence and unrest.
Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the government’s response to protests, citing previous incidents of police brutality.
Amnesty International has called on Mozambican authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of protesters.
The protests have regional implications, with neighbouring countries monitoring the situation closely.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged calm and dialogue between opposition parties and the government.
For the latest updates on the Mozambique demonstrations, follow reliable news sources and official government advisories.
Mozambique’s election controversy has been ongoing, with opposition parties rejecting the election results and human rights groups raising concerns about police brutality.
The SADC has urged calm in Mozambique amid the election controversy.
“We urge all Malawian nationals to take necessary precautions and avoid non-essential travel to Mozambique.”
Happy Jonathan Sakah
Malawi Consul General in Tete Province
