SA, avoid Mozambique

PROTESTS: COUNTRY BRACES FOR FURTHER VIOLENCE AS NEW YEAR APPROACHES

- Ciaran Ryan

The chances of calm returning to Mozambique as the New Year approaches appear slim. Opposition groups expressed outrage at the country's apex court ruling that the Frelimo party was the rightful winner of the October elections.

Last week, the Mozambican Constitutional Council confirmed the election result, which opposition groups say was rigged. This triggered fresh riots in the country and multiple prison breakouts, with as many as 10 000 inmates now at large.

SA's Border Management Authority has expressed concern that many of these may skip across the border to SA to avoid recapture.

According to tourism support group Atta, the riots are largely concentrated in the major cities, while coastal and remote tourism regions are currently reporting normal operations.