Protests in Mozambique have intensified, with reports indicating that at least 76 people have lost their lives in the unrest. Political leaders, including Mondlane, warn that the protests and ongoing struggles could persist, raising concerns about stability in the region. International governments, including those in the US, Britain, and Canada, have strongly condemned the escalating violence. President Nyusi has cautioned that the unrest could negatively affect public sector salaries, highlighting the broader economic implications.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed strong ties between their nations. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of Nigerian investment in South Africa and announced a simplified visa process for Nigerian visitors to foster closer economic collaboration and trade.
Check out all the top stories below:
PROTESTS CONTINUE IN MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has called for the extension of alleged anti-election fraud protests by seven days, escalating tensions after weeks of violence that have caused numerous deaths.
Mondlane, who reportedly secured 20% of the presidential vote, has been advocating six weeks of protests challenging the election outcome.
As of 4th December, daily demonstrations will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with all traffic and flights expected to stop during those hours, according to Venâncio Mondlane in a livestream.
Protesters are also instructed to close ports, airports, borders, and the offices of Frelimo and the Election Commission. Each day of the protests will end with participants singing the national anthem alongside the anthem of the African continent.
The demonstrations have significantly disrupted daily life, impacting economic activities and essential services. Despite the unrest, Mondlane insists on peaceful participation, underscoring the importance of holding authorities accountable. This movement has drawn attention to deep-seated frustrations with the electoral system and long-standing governance issues in Mozambique.
Border shutdowns and halted port operations have created uncertainty around the future of TotalEnergies SE’s $20 billion gas project. Protests have been met with heavy police action, including the use of live bullets and teargas.
AT LEAST 76 KILLED IN MOZAMBIQUE PROTESTS
At least 76 individuals have been killed and 240 others wounded by security forces amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations that started on October 21, according to Platform Decide, a local monitoring group.
MONDLANE WARNS OF CONTINUED PROTESTS AND POLITICAL STRUGGLES
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, who is currently MIA, has announced plans for continued anti-government protests over the next two to three months.
In a BBC interview, Mondlane suggested that sustained demonstrations could pressure the ruling Frelimo Party into talks. However, when President Filipe Nyusi extended an invitation for dialogue to all presidential candidates from the October 9 election in late November, Mondlane was the only one who did not attend.
Mondlane cited the government’s failure to respond to 20 agenda points he submitted as the reason, but it is widely believed that his primary concern was arrest.
Arrest warrants are in place for Mondlane, particularly for charges related to threats against state security. Although the government publicly claims it is unaware of his whereabouts, it is unlikely that Mozambique’s intelligence agency, SISE, has lost track of him.
GOVERNMENTS IN THE US, BRITAIN, CANADA, AND OTHERS CONDEMN ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE
The governments of the United States, Britain, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland issued a joint statement on Wednesday, condemning the rising violence against civilians in Mozambique amid ongoing post-election protests.
“We strongly condemn the escalating violence against civilians during the post-electoral period in Mozambique. This has included an incident on November 27 in which a vehicle of the Mozambican security forces accelerated toward a gathering of people and brutally struck a person”.
The joint statement urged Mozambican authorities to prioritize accountability and address concerns regarding the actions of security forces.
“We call on the Government of Mozambique to uphold the role of security forces to protect the people of Mozambique and to conduct an investigation into this incident and the other reports of disproportionate use of force in order to ensure accountability, in accordance with the law.”
NYUSI WARNS PROTESTS COULD IMPACT PUBLIC SECTOR SALARIES
The ongoing protests may threaten the payment of public sector wages, warned President Filipe Nyusi, adding that the crisis could also impact private businesses and other industries.
The president, addressing university rectors, revealed that the protests following the elections have hindered tax revenue collection, which currently stands at 80%—well below usual levels.
The president expressed concerns over the impact of ongoing disruptions on Mozambique’s economy, including declining tax revenues and product shortages, which he linked to deliberate efforts to destabilize key economic areas such as Ressano.
He highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining fiscal stability, particularly in ensuring public sector salaries are paid.
“There is an effort to make the economic borders unviable, especially that of Ressano. The shortage of products has already begun. […] There is also the problem of tax revenues, which are falling. This morning’s information encouraged me a little because until the day before yesterday I was not satisfied. But now, they have managed to collect up to 80% of the forecast by November. Normally, at this time it even goes up and exceeds the forecast. And this worries me because I may not be able to pay teachers’ and nurses’ salaries. We don’t have a budget that was donated, like other governments that were lucky enough to have it, but I never had one. I’ve never had that luck in ten years,” he warned.
RAMAPHOSA & TINUBU REAFFIRM SOUTH AFRICA-NIGERIA TIES
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu underscored the importance of their nations’ partnership at the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting in Parliament on Tuesday [03 Nov.].
This occasion marked 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1994.
Ramaphosa praised Nigeria’s significant role in supporting South Africa during the fight against apartheid and voiced the desire for stronger economic collaboration.
He expressed: “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa. In fact, we want to see more Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops.” While noting that South Africa remains open to Nigerian investment, he called for efforts to remove barriers hindering growth and progress.
Tinubu, reflecting on the longstanding ties between the nations, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to South Africa, stating, “We are proud to be our brother’s keeper, and South Africa is a serious brother during such a critical time.”
He also emphasized that the numerous agreements between the two nations must be implemented effectively to yield real results.
Both leaders recognized that further steps are needed to fulfill their shared vision for an economically strengthened and mutually beneficial partnership.
RAMAPHOSA CALLS FOR NIGERIAN INVESTMENT AND PRODUCTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored South Africa’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties with Nigeria, emphasizing a desire to see more Nigerian products on local shelves and greater investments from Nigerian businesses. Speaking during the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Parliament, Ramaphosa acknowledged Nigeria’s critical support during South Africa’s fight against apartheid and called for an expanded economic relationship between the two nations.
“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa. In fact, we want to see more Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops,” Ramaphosa expressed. He highlighted the importance of removing any barriers that might hinder growth and progress, ensuring that both countries benefit from closer trade and investment links.
To facilitate this goal, Ramaphosa revealed that qualifying Nigerian businesses would be eligible for a five-year, multiple-entry visa. This move aims to make trade and business operations more accessible and seamless between the two countries.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also reinforced the strong bond shared by the two countries, remarking, “We are proud to be our brother’s keeper, and South Africa is a serious brother during such a critical time.” Tinubu’s statement reaffirmed the historical and ongoing partnership between South Africa and Nigeria, underlining the mutual commitment to growth and stability.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of implementing agreements already made to strengthen economic and political cooperation. Their joint emphasis on improving bilateral ties sets the stage for a future marked by shared prosperity and deeper regional integration.
RAMAPHOSA ANNOUNCES SIMPLIFIED VISA PROCESS FOR NIGERIAN VISITORS
Additionally, President Cyril Ramaphosa also revealed that Nigerian tourists can now apply for a visa without the need to submit their passports upfront.
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, clarified the new policy, stating…
“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation.
Once a visa has been approved, they are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport. These changes have improved the customer experience while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process.”
SEVERE HEATWAVE TO HIT GAUTENG LIMPOPO, NORTH WEST AND OTHER PROVINCES
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of an impending heatwave, urging residents to brace for prolonged high temperatures that could present significant health and safety dangers.
South Africa is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with extreme temperatures expected to affect Gauteng, North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal throughout the week.
SAWS reports that the heatwave will persist in the central and southeastern areas of North West and the northern Free State until Wednesday, while regions such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal will experience extreme temperatures until at least Friday.
Regional Weather Forecast:
- Gauteng: Expect dry and hot conditions, shifting to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. The northern regions will face extreme heat, with a “Very High” UVB sunburn index.
- North West: Hot to very hot weather is expected, with the central and eastern areas becoming partly cloudy later.
- Free State: Similar to North West, conditions will be fine and hot, turning partly cloudy in the east as the day progresses.
- Limpopo and Mpumalanga: These provinces will experience hot and dry weather, especially in the Lowveld, Limpopo Valley, and Western Bushveld. Afternoon thundershowers may form in the southeast.
Fire Risk Alerts: The SAWS has issued an extremely high fire danger warning for various areas, including the northern Northern Cape, northern and eastern Free State, and southern Gauteng. Residents should avoid open flames, properly dispose of cigarettes, and be cautious with any activities that could start fires.
NAMIBIA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT-NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH
Following Namibia’s recent elections, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been chosen as the country’s next president, marking a historic moment as she becomes Namibia’s first female leader, according to results from the electoral commission.
Official results announced on Tuesday (03 Nov.) showed that the 72-year-old won with 57 percent of the votes, defying forecasts that suggested she might have to compete in a run-off.
After being declared president-elect, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her gratitude, stating, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.”
NIGERIA ROLLS OUT WHO-APPROVED VACCINE TO COMBAT MALARIA
Nigeria has begun the distribution of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, marking the second malaria vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The initial rollout is in Bayelsa and Kebbi states, aimed at children aged five to 15 months, with broader distribution planned for next year.
Developed by Oxford University’s Jenner Institute, the vaccine is reported to be 75% effective. Health experts emphasize that it should be used alongside traditional prevention measures, including insecticides and mosquito nets.
Malaria remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, accounting for 27% of global cases and 31% of deaths in 2022, as per WHO figures.
The vaccine requires three doses, followed by a booster a year later. Dr. Walter Mulombo from the WHO expressed that this initiative could substantially reduce malaria’s impact, which drains $1.1 billion annually from Nigeria’s economy due to health and productivity costs.
SOURCE: BBC
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