Tanzania’s southern border ‘secure’ as thousands flee Mozambique

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian authorities have confirmed that no Mozambicans have crossed into Tanzania in search of refuge, despite ongoing reports of widespread unrest in Mozambique following disputed elections.

Meanwhile, the influx of Mozambican refugees into Malawi continues to rise.

More than 2,000 Mozambican families have sought shelter in Malawi this week alone, according to Malawian officials, as violent protests intensify over the results of the October election.

These protests have claimed numerous lives, with reports indicating that dozens of people have been killed in the unrest.

Businesses, including banks, were shut down in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, on Friday, and security patrols were ramped up following a deadly prison riot on Wednesday.

The riot saw over 1,500 inmates escape, adding to the already tense atmosphere in the country. Violent protests have gripped Mozambique for over two months since the electoral commission declared that the ruling Frelimo party had won the presidency.

Frelimo, which has governed Mozambique since 1975, denies accusations of electoral fraud from opposition groups.

When asked about the situation along Tanzania's southern border with Mozambique, Mtwara Regional Commissioner Colonel Patrick Sawala said there had been no reports of refugees crossing into Tanzania.

“I have no information regarding that. However, Mtwara residents are safe and continuing with their daily activities,” Col Sawala stated, reassuring that any developments would be communicated promptly.

Tanzania shares its southern border with Mozambique, with the Mtwara and Ruvuma regions located adjacent to Mozambique, separated by the Ruvuma River.

Last week, Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Col Ahmed Abbas Ahmed also confirmed that no refugees had crossed into Tanzania.

“In case of such migration, they would pass through Naliendele and Mtambaswala in Mtwara. My counterpart in Mtwara can provide further details if there are any such reports,” said Col Ahmed, who previously served as the Mtwara governor.

Yesterday, Col Sawala reiterated that Mtwara remains safe, with local defense and security forces working in close cooperation with the community to maintain peace.

“Overall, Mtwara is secure, and residents continue their normal routines,” he added.

Meanwhile, the situation in Mozambique has continued to deteriorate.

Following a controversial decision by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council to validate the election results, protests have escalated, and the death toll has climbed.

Monitoring group Plataforma Decide reported that 125 people have died since the court ruling, bringing the total death toll to 252 since the end of October.

In Malawi, the influx of refugees from Mozambique has put immense strain on local resources.

The Nsanje district commissioner in Malawi, Mr Dominic Mwandira, confirmed that as of Wednesday, 2,182 Mozambican households had fled to the district.

 “The situation remains dire, and these individuals urgently need humanitarian assistance,” Mwandira said in a letter to Malawi’s commissioner for refugees.

Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has called for further protests, rejecting the election results.

However, he has urged his supporters to avoid looting and damaging infrastructure during the demonstrations.

The unrest has also affected foreign businesses in Mozambique.

Mining companies, including Gemfields Group and South32, as well as petrochemical giant Sasol, have faced disruptions.

Gemfields temporarily halted operations at its largest ruby mine in Mozambique after violent incidents near the site, where more than 200 people attempted to storm a residential area for employees.

Mozambican security forces killed two people during the confrontation.

The prison riot on Christmas Day, which left at least 33 people dead, further highlighted the growing instability.

More than 1,500 prisoners escaped, though many have since been recaptured.

Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since the end of the war against Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, faces increasing international scrutiny over the fairness of this year’s election, with Western observers suggesting the process was not free or fair.