This page is here to help you stay informed and stay safe.
On this basis this page is here to bring you updates to help keep you keep safe and informed. All information is taken from other news agencies and services and combined into a helpful monthly update.
Wednesday 7th May
Mozambique remains calm with no sign of a return to protests. A member of the opposition was shot (but not killed) last month. That did not trigger protests to restart, but if another similar event occurs, protests would likely restart. But that seems, at present, to be the only cloud on a much calmer horizon.
The fuel situation also seems to be easing. This is not completely resolved, so do be aware of your fuel level when travelling in Mozambique, and don’t let your tank get too low, as you cannot be 100% sure that your next fuel station will have fuel.
The frequency of these updates will drop to monthly, unless the safety and protest situation changes.
Wednesday 16th April
The fuel shortage continues with multiple explanations given, and an attempted assassination of Trufafa, a musician and opposition supporter, increases the tension.
Fuel Shortages
Different stories are circulating in the news explaining this issue. This article seems to give the most credible explanation. Other explanations tend to be issued by the government themselves.
As in the previous update, the fuel shortages are not total. It is usually possible to get fuel, but some fuel stations will not have any fuel and others may have a limited supply. Some areas are worse hit than others. These areas seem to keep changing. When travelling in Mozambique keep your tank topped up. If you see a fuel station with fuel, do not assume that others ahead will also have fuel.
Attempted Assassination
Trufafa is a musician who strongly supports the opposition and has been very vocal in supporting Mondlane, the opposition leader. He was shot in Quelimane on Sunday as reported in the Club of Mozambique.
The reactions to the attempted assassination are interesting.
There were no widespread riots and protests, which such an incident would have triggered in the recent past.
President Chapo spoke out almost immediately supporting Trufafa and condemning the attempted assassination.
Mondlane has said that if one more person is wounded or killed, then the protests will restart 100 times worse than before.
What happens next?
This now hangs in the balance. If the assassination of opposition leaders and supporters stop, then the current peace will hold. However, if another assassination is attempted, then it seems serious protests will return.
100 days
In previous updates, I have referred to the end of Chapo’s 100 days in office. Mondlane did have a list of demands that he wanted to be met within 100 days. They were never going to be met. The one hundred days ends at the end of April. However, given the agreement still in place between Chapo and Mondlane, it seems unlikely now that there will be disruption at this time.
Visitor Safety
Previous reports
Saturday 5th April
Things have calmed since the meeting between the president (Chapo) and the opposition leader (Mondlane). There have not been reports of roadblocks or problems at the borders. The police have also stated that they will start to return to the roads doing speed checks and other checkpoints.
There have been reports in the Club of Mozambique and other news agencies of fuel shortages in different parts of Mozambique. Where the shortages are seems to vary and it seems supply is restored. But travel with caution and don’t presume the next gas station you pass will have fuel. Below are links to a few recent stories which together give a picture of an unstable fuel supply.
Dollar shortage causing fuel shortage
Fuel Retailers acknowledge unstable supply
Fuel retailers say Mozambique’s fuel stock has not run out
If the situation remains calm these safety updates will become less frequent.
Wednesday 26th March
It has been widely reported by the press and social media that Daniel Chapo (president) and Venancio Mondlane (opposition leader) have had a meeting. Both sides have on social media confirmed the meeting took place and there has been some confirmation about what was discussed.
It seems that the top of the agenda was stopping the violence on both sides. This includes stopping police killings on the government side and a stop to killings by protestors on the other side.
The key now is what this means on the ground and how much both sides will listen to their respective leaders. At the moment it is too early to tell, but it is a positive sign that a return to more normal times is a possibility.
Wednesday 19th March
Yesterday was an unofficial holiday in Mozambique as declared by opposition leader Mondlane. Getting reports on the day is challenging with Zitamar News again providing the best summary, while most news outlets simply ignored the event. This was not a day of violence and disruption as has happened in the past. But equally, it was not a normal day. Many people did not go to work. The streets of Maputo were much quieter than usual. There were some roadblocks although the police did move to clear them. Zitamar reports that overall the police approach to the protestors was less violent than in the past, although one protestor was shot and killed near the Maputo Matola border. The CDD (an NGO) have documented this carefully on their Facebook page. Please be warned that this content contains images of the deceased. CCD Facebook page.
In general, the situation across the country carries on as before with roadblocks coming and going at unpredictable times. The next date of note is 100 days into the new presidency. As explained in other updates Mondlane has a list of demands he expects to be met by this date. Most of them will not be met. It is unknown what will happen at this time, but there is the potential for disruption, protests and violence. The 100th day in office is the 25th of April. But counting these things tends to be rough and ready so I would use this as a guide to roughly when events may happen, rather than an exact date.
Wednesday 12th March
News after last week’s shooting
After last week’s shooting at a Mondlane rally, Mondlane left the country and was then in Botswana where he met several political figures including their ex-president. Mondlane returned to Maputo on Monday night (10th March) and appeared in court on Tuesday morning(11th March). Zitamar has reported that President Chapo had filed a criminal complaint against Mondlane for inciting “collective disobedience” . He had supporters outside the court all day. He made a speech as he entered and left the court. Club of Mozambique and other sources are reporting that during the day the police fired some tear gas at the crowds. . The police also closed some roads around the court.
Tolls
The amount of problems has reduced around tolls as most have now stopped operating. The Maputo-Catembe bridge is one notable exception. This usually has a sizeable police presence at the toll.
Roadblocks
Multiple sources on Social media are reporting that this morning the N4 (road from Ressano Garcia border to Matola) was blocked this morning. This has now been reported to have been cleared. It shows again how the roadblocks can spring up and clear away at any time and are hard to predict. Toll booths no longer charging (as described above) have reduced the chance of journeys by road being disrupted.
Upcoming dates of importance
There are two upcoming dates which could cause disruption and protests.
Heros day – 18th March
The official Mozambican hero’s day has already passed. But Mondlane has declared a “real heroes” day. In honour of those fighting against Frelimo. It is unclear what will happen on this day, but a force strike and roadblocks are possible.
100 Days – 25th April
This date is 100 days after the new president came into power. Mondlane has a list of demands that must be met within the first 100 days of this government. Few, if any, of these demands will be met. So, what will be the response from Mondlane and the protestors?
This is unclear but be prepared for the possibility of disruption around this time. I would also not rely on them using this exact date for 100 days but assume there could be trouble around this time.
Wednesday 5th March
Canal Moz is reporting that the UIR (elite police squad) opened fire on Mondlane’s convoy today in Maputo.
They are also reporting that Praça dos Combatentes is blocked.
There is a strong possibility that the action of the UIR will cause further protests and roadblocks in the days and hours ahead.
If you are in Mozambique, particularly Maputo, or are planning to visit Mozambique in the next day or two, keep alert and stay up to date with the situation.
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