Mozambique: More Repression Will Reverberate at Home and Abroad

Image: Getty, Alfredo Zuniga
Image: Getty, Alfredo Zuniga

Mozambique’s post-election crisis - marked by political unrest, weakened institutions and growing public discontent - is fueling instability at home and creating ripple effects across Southern Africa.

Summary:

  • In Mozambique, Frelimo secured another five years in power following the controversial October 2024 general elections. The announced results led to deadly violence.
  • The country is set to face increasingly repressive rule and socio-political instability.
  • The political elite is aware of its lack of legitimacy and refuses to relinquish power – but it also cannot stem the rising tide of popular dissent.
  • These events affect the entire Southern African region. Mozambique holds up a mirror to Frelimo’s sister liberation movements, which are also stumbling – and likely watching with trepidation.
  • The country is a key logistics network for its landlocked neighbours, providing a gateway to global markets, meaning that its political challenges reverberate across regional economies.
  • The response from affected leaders should be decisive. Unfortunately, as their actions to date have signalled, that is unlikely.

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).