By Amy Musgrave
With rising concerns in South Africa about the impact of unrest and post-election violence in Mozambique, the country has beefed up security along the border with its neighbour.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said on Sunday that due to the unrest, which included a prison riot on Christmas Day that left 33 people dead and enabled over 1500 inmates to escape, it had intensified its operations.
“These developments have understandably raised apprehensions among South African citizens regarding the potential cross-border implications. South Africa remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and upholding regional stability,” it said in a statement.
The intensified operations aimed to prevent and combat any opportunistic crimes that may arise as a result of the unrest, both during and after the protests.
NATJOINTS said the South African government was continuing to actively engage the Mozambican government at a bilateral level to address these concerns and explore sustainable solutions.
Both nations were leveraging their strong diplomatic ties to ensure that appropriate measures were implemented to restore order and enhance security in the affected regions.
“The government recognises the interconnected nature of regional security and is determined to uphold its responsibilities in fostering peace and stability in southern Africa,” it said.
The government has urged South Africans to remain calm and to refrain from spreading unverified information that may lead to unnecessary panic.
Relevant authorities were monitoring the situation closely and would provide timely updates as new information became available.
Citizens have been encouraged to direct any concerns or inquiries to the appropriate channels to ensure accurate and constructive communication.
Meanwhile, the Congress of SA Trade Unions has said it was deeply concerned about the ongoing tensions in Mozambique, especially the loss of life, the destruction of property, the disruption of economic activity and the potential impact on South Africa’s own security and economic growth.
“We urge all stakeholders to heed the call by many international partner organisations, civil society and multilateral bodies, including the African Union and the United Nations for calm, political accountability, an end to violence and destruction of property…,” Cosatu international secretary Bongani Masuku said on Sunday.
He said Cosatu also supported calls for the strengthening of Mozambique’s democratic election management systems.
This should include upholding rights to peaceful association and free expression of voters and political parties, and strengthening SADC’s institutional capacity to support, enforce and affirm democratic elections in line with its relevant protocols.
Masuku said the federation supported the government’s mediation interventions and was confident that this matter would be resolved.
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