Christiaan Schultz/Adele Mackenzie
Mozambique is bracing for heightened unrest as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for a fresh wave of nationwide protests from December 4-11 although the tourism industry is emphasising that airports and major tourist destinations, including resorts, remain unaffected.
The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) said in an online statement: “What's crucial for travellers to understand is that major tourist destinations, including Inhambane, Vilankulo and Ponta do Ouro, remain unaffected by these events and continue to operate normally. These areas are geographically removed from the protest activities and maintain their usual high standards of service and hospitality.”
Regarding border crossings, ATTA acknowledged that the Ressano Garcia border post has experienced intermittent disruptions.
“We're currently advising travellers to consider alternative border crossings such as Ponta do Ouro, Namaacha and Goba, particularly during peak holiday periods.
“For those who prefer to avoid road travel altogether, flying directly to their destination remains a reliable option as airports continue to operate normally.”
Rather than encouraging blanket postponements, ATTA is advising travellers to maintain close contact with their tourism service providers who can offer real-time, accurate information about specific destinations and routes.
“These providers are our eyes and ears on the ground and can provide the most current guidance for safe and enjoyable travel experiences.”
Airlink and LAM Mozambique Airlines confirmed none of their Mozambican operations are affected by the protests to date.
Further threats
Mondlane, who denounced the October 15 general elections as fraudulent, urged his supporters to enact a "total paralysis" of the nation, according to Club of Mozambique.
This includes halting all vehicular movement between 08h00 and 15h30 daily and nightly demonstrations from 21h00 to 22h00 involving noise-making with whistles and vuvuzelas.
Mondlane also advised (but did not order) the cancellation of all flights and closing of airports, border posts and toll gates.
He also pushed for nationwide shutdowns and the cancellation of festive events, including Christmas and new year celebrations.
During an interview with BBC this week, he called for the protests to continue for "two to three months" to pressure government into addressing the alleged electoral fraud.
The Constitutional Council, tasked with validating the election results, has yet to finalise its decision but hinted it must do so by December 23.
Since the protests began on October 21, at least 76 people have died and more than 3 000 have been arrested, according to local monitoring group Platform Decide.
Security forces have responded with teargas, live ammunition and armoured vehicles leading to several high-profile incidents, including the death of a woman struck by a military vehicle.
