SA keeping a close eye on Mozambique violence, aware of possible spillover

By Simon Nare

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed concern about a possible spillover of the ongoing protests in Mozambique, which have turned violent.

Tensions are high in Mozambique following Frelimo’s recent victory at polls. It sparked protests from opposition groups contesting the legitimacy of the results and voting process.

Addressing journalists on a wide range of issues in Pretoria, Lamola said although the government continued to assess and monitor the situation, it remained concern about the spillover if the situation escalated.

“Yes, we are worried about spillovers. It is given that when there is a conflict in any of the neighboring countries there will be spillovers to South Africa. Hence, we continue to maintain line of engagement with our Mozambican counterparts and with the processes that Southern African Development Community is undertaking.

“SADC being the most important in terms of platform to feed into the process.