Alert for travel to Mozambique
28 April 2016 - RPS Partnership
RPS is bringing you an alert posted by PGI today. Contact us for any assistance if you are in Mozambique or are planning to travel there soon. We can advise, support and train you. Contact us on [email protected]
Mozambique: Security forces deploy in Maputo ahead of possible unrest
Reuters reported heightened security in Maputo amid concerns of possible anti-government demonstrations on 29 April, though other reports suggested protests would take place on 30 April. Pictures posted on social media appeared to show armoured vehicles and armed police deployed on major intersections in Maputo, however there was no indication of any immediate disruption. The UK embassy in Mozambique noted that there had been discussion on social media of a possible demonstrations in late April or early May but there was no clear indication as to when or where demonstrations might occur.
The prospect for unrest reflects heightened local tensions over corruption after the IMF revealed on 23 April that Mozambique had admitted to USD 1 bn in previously undisclosed debts. Local police have warned that any disturbances to public order would not be tolerated and there is a precedent for violence at anti-government protests in the capital. In September 2010, tensions over rising prices manifested as protests that persisted over several days and left at least 10 people dead and 443 others injured. Authorities had warned in advance that the demonstrations, which were centred on the Maputo suburbs of Benfica and Hulene, would not be permitted.
A lack of clear information makes it difficult to assess the impact of any possible protests, though PGI will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, which RPS will bring to you. The security deployment may serve to suppress any protests planned over the coming days, however, any demonstrations that do take place should be avoided given the potential for violence, following official warnings. According to news outlet VOA Portuguese, activists on social media have threatened to disrupt the planned 3-7 May visit by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to Mozambique. As such, there is a potential for disruption in and around Maputo over the coming days amid heightened security measures in response to perceptions of an elevated threat of protests.
RPS advises foreigners to stay away from the areas where the demonstrations wil take place and to ensure that they have robust plans for journey management around the times and dates of the demonstrations.
Contact us for guidance on [email protected]
Picture: With thanks to www.operationworld.org