At the heart of Mozambique’s tumultuous political scene, a new chapter opened this Saturday, December 7, with the blockade of two essential power plants. Indeed, a group of protesters disrupted the operation of these key infrastructures, plunging the southern region of the country into an energy deficit representing nearly 30% of its normal needs.
The protests were rekindled this week by the exiled opponent, Venancio Mondlane, who refuses to recognize the victory of the Frelimo party in the general elections held two months ago. The tension is palpable and the demands are multiplying, highlighting the deep political division that has plagued the country for decades.
This new wave of protests has caused significant disruptions in the daily lives of Mozambican citizens, particularly in Maputo where energy restrictions have been put in place. The border with South Africa has also been the scene of intermittent closures, impacting trade between the two neighboring countries.
Venancio Mondlane, an emblematic figure of the opposition, rekindled the flame of protest by loudly claiming his victory on social networks, despite the official results proclaiming Daniel Chapo as the winner. This uncertain situation has plunged the country into waiting for the decisions of the Constitutional Council, responsible for announcing the final results before the inauguration of the new president in January 2025.
Post-election tensions have already cost the lives of nearly 90 people, according to estimates by the NGO Plataforma decide, recalling the dramatic consequences of a political crisis that continues to worsen. In such a context of tumult and uncertainty, the future of Mozambique and its population remains uncertain, prisoner of the political disagreements and violence that punctuate their daily lives.
The quest for stability and peace seems more necessary than ever to allow the country to rebuild and move towards a better future. In the meantime, the world’s eyes remain on this small southern African country, in search of political reconciliation and renewal.