Lebombo Border Post Closed Temporarily Due to Mozambique Unrest

Lebombo Border Post temporarily closed

The Lebombo Border Post, one of Southern Africa's busiest border crossings, was temporarily closed on 5th November 2024 amid growing unrest in Mozambique. The decision to close the post, which connects South Africa and Mozambique, was made to prioritize the safety of travelers and border personnel. This unexpected shutdown has significantly disrupted travel and trade operations between the two nations, with security forces on high alert to assess the situation and determine a safe timeline for reopening.

The border closure has affected both commercial and private vehicles, halting vital import and export activities across the Lebombo Port of Entry. Authorities advise travelers and businesses to consider alternate routes or delay travel until the situation stabilizes.

Security Crisis in Mozambique

Security conditions in Mozambique have worsened since the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory. The European Union Election Observation Mission and other groups reported serious electoral irregularities, including ballot box tampering. This has led to mass protests, with Human Rights Watch documenting at least 18 deaths during police crackdowns, while other reports estimate a death toll of 24.

The unrest has escalated particularly in urban centers, where protesters have burned down public infrastructure and vehicles. Among the damage caused by demonstrators are:

• The burning of immigration offices
• Vehicles set ablaze near border zones
• Public buildings destroyed

Mozambican Defense Minister Cristovao Chume warned that if the violence continues, the armed forces may be deployed to safeguard state interests. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has also galvanized support via social media, calling on citizens to protest the alleged election fraud, leading to widespread strikes and demonstrations. Over 400 people have been detained, and medical facilities report treating injuries caused by live ammunition and rubber bullets. Areas near the South African border are among the most affected, with significant disruptions in cross-border movement and trade.

Closure of Lebombo Border Post

Dr. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), announced that the Lebombo Port of Entry had to close due to serious security risks on the Mozambican side. The decision came after several incidents, including:

• The burning of Mozambican immigration and customs offices
• Destruction of service vehicles owned by Mozambican officials
• Seven Mozambican officials seeking safety on South African soil

The closure of the Lebombo Border Post creates substantial challenges, as it manages 50% of South Africa's road exports to Mozambique. In 2020, trade through this route accounted for R238 billion in exports and R40.9 billion in imports, yielding a R197 billion trade surplus for South Africa. The closure’s economic impact is further magnified by the Lebombo crossing’s high volume, as it processes approximately 18% of South Africa's total regional imports.

To manage the immediate impact, the BMA has coordinated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Defense Force to secure the area. Trucks have been redirected to wait at a designated "Kilometer 7" location until a safe reopening is possible. The BMA, together with law enforcement, is continually assessing the situation to facilitate a secure and efficient reopening when feasible.

Response and Coordination Efforts

The Border Management Authority is spearheading an extensive coordination effort to address the crisis. In close collaboration with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement, the BMA is working to monitor and contain the situation. Key response actions include:

• Providing shelter to seven Mozambican officials needing protection
• Deploying South African officials to assist on-site
• Enhancing security measures along the border
• Establishing direct communication channels with Mozambican counterparts

Commissioner Masiapato emphasized the critical importance of multi-agency cooperation during this crisis. Both nations’ authorities have committed to maintaining the security of the area while preparing for the safe reopening of the border post.

South African authorities have heightened security at key border locations to protect personnel and contain any spillover of unrest. Mozambican and South African officials continue to share resources and information, working closely to ensure the situation remains under control.

Alternative Travel Routes and Outlook

With the Lebombo Port of Entry facing potential temporary closures, travelers are encouraged to explore alternate border crossings into Mozambique. The BMA and South African Revenue Service are providing updates on the status of the port through official channels.

Authorities have identified specific districts in Mozambique with ongoing security concerns that travelers should be mindful of when planning essential trips, including:

• Chuire
• Metuge
• Montepuez
• Mueda
• Palma
• Macomia

To ease the strain on Lebombo, a new trucks-only crossing is planned for Komatipoort, designed to handle up to 500 trucks daily. Scheduled to begin construction in mid-October, this R50-million project aims to alleviate congestion at the Lebombo post, which currently manages up to 1,800 trucks daily.

Travelers are advised to exercise caution, particularly at night, and to carry certified copies of their identification documents, keeping originals stored securely. Officials are predicting continued demonstrations in the lead-up to Mozambique’s presidential elections, and travelers are urged to stay alert.

Conclusion

The temporary closure of the Lebombo Border Post has brought significant disruption to regional trade and mobility between South Africa and Mozambique, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining border security and enabling cross-border commerce.

Mozambique's political instability impacts regional stability and, by extension, economic relations. New infrastructure developments like the Komatipoort crossing underscore both countries' long-term commitment to enhancing cross-border connectivity. Through improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and interagency cooperation, South Africa and Mozambique are actively working toward strengthening this vital economic corridor, preparing to manage similar challenges in the future.