Maputo’s markets, once lively and bustling, are struggling with near-empty stalls as ongoing post-election protests disrupt vital imports from South Africa. Staples like potatoes, carrots, and onions are in short supply, with many left to rot as border closures delay shipments.
The protests, sparked by disputes over Mozambique’s October 9 election results, have left over 100 people dead, according to civil society groups. Demonstrators have set up barricades in the capital and intermittently shut down the border between Lebombo (South Africa) and Ressano Garcia (Mozambique), a crucial trade route for fresh produce.
At Compone market, mounds of rotting potatoes bear witness to the crisis. Siudecar Novela, president of the Mukheristas importers’ association, said, “It was about 100 trucks on the other side of South Africa that could not enter (Mozambique) in time. They were stuck there for four days and the potatoes started to rot.”
With Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, planning further protests to demand a recount of election results, importers fear the situation could worsen. Mondlane rejects official results that placed him second with 20% of the vote, far behind Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, who secured 71%.
At the Zimpeto wholesale market, traders anxiously check their phones for updates from stranded transporters. Many rely on microfinance to keep their business afloat, but with no sales, creditors are already demanding repayments.
The economic impact extends beyond Mozambique. South Africa, reliant on this trade route to export goods through Maputo’s deep-water ports, loses an estimated 10 million rand (€532,000) for each day the border is shut, according to the Road Freight Association.
South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, during a visit to the border, urged for a peaceful resolution to Mozambique’s political crisis.
Observers and traders agree that dialogue between Mondlane and Frelimo is the only way forward. Mondlane, currently outside Mozambique citing safety concerns, insists on a recount, while the ruling party faces pressure to stabilise the country before outgoing President Filipe Nyusi hands over in mid-January.
