by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Update: 10.12.2024

The situation in Mozambique has deteriorated significantly, despite last week's warning of seven days of riots.

Roadblocks have been set up around city centres, hindering access to both private and public transport.

This unexpected development has created uncertainty regarding its duration.

The unrest stems from the contested results of Mozambique's elections held in October.

The losing party has appealed to a higher court, with a decision expected on 23 December, which is likely to further intensify the situation.

Update: 03.12.2024

According to local logistics operators, a new strike will commence in Mozambique this week, from 7 to 11 December.

This industrial action coincides with the volatile situation in the country, prompted by the results of October's presidential elections.

During the strike days, cargo movement and airport, port and border operations are likely to be severely impacted.

Vehicle movements will also halt from 08:00 to 15:30 local time, and demonstrations will occur from 21:00 to 22:00.

Authorities have advised that travelling during these hours could pose a safety risk.

Consequently, container delivery and pickup to and from port terminals are expected to experience delays.

For more information and updates, please check seaexplorer or contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.

Update: 12.11.2024

Authorities in South Africa reopened the Lebombo Border Post with Mozambique after closing it due to the tense political situation in its neighbouring country.

According to South Africa's news outlet, Freight News, road freight operators said the borders on the N4 Maputo Corridor are now open to transporters, who are proceeding with "extreme caution."

Operations at Matola and Maputo port terminals have also been resumed last week.

While traffic was restored, transporters are unsure if the borders will remain open for a long time.

“There’s an army and police presence at KM4, but we don’t know how long that is going to last," a road freight operator based in Komatipoort tells Freight Waves.

For updates about the situation, please check seaexplorer or contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.

Original article: 08.11.2024

Following a major crackdown on post-election protests, South Africa has temporarily closed its main border with Mozambique out of concern for public safety.

This closure is expected to impact the movement of goods and commodities in a region already facing logistical challenges as state-owned port and rail companies struggle to provide adequate services.

According to South Africa's media outlet, Freight News, the Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa announced the temporary closure of the Lebombo Port of Authority, citing reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the border.

Dr Michael Masiapato, BMA Commissioner, stated that the closure is in the interest of public safety and urged freight industry stakeholders to suspend travel through the Lebombo Port until further notice.

He further advised using alternative routes to Mozambique where feasible until the situation stabilises.

Operations at the Port of Maputo have also been suspended due to the unrest, reports Freight News.

An official said that as of the morning of 6 November, no cargo was being received at Gate 1 of the Maputo terminal.