TROUBLE IN PARADISE

The news from the northeast sounds increasingly ominous. What is the conflict in Mozambique about - and how does it affect South Africa?

- RICHARD VAN RENSBURG

SUGAR-WHITE beaches, waving palm trees, ice-cold beer, magical diving and fishing spots, friendly people – the country has long been a sought-after holiday destination for South Africans, a tropical paradise right on our doorstep.But the picture in Mozambique, which experienced a promising economic boom just a few years ago, now looks alarmingly different.

The country has become a virtual no-go zone for tourists as scenes of unrest after the recent elections play out regularly on our screens – and the country is bleeding economically. We look at what’s going on and how it affects SA.

LONG-TERM CHALLENGES

Mozambique’s crises “largely stem from systemic corruption under Frelimo”, says David Matsinhe, a Mozambican professor of African studies at Canada’s Carleton University.

“Decades of mismanagement, embezzlement and patronage have left institutions weak and unable to address pressing social and economic crises.

“The government has neglected the development of inclusive, accountable governance and equitable infrastructure, especially in Cabo Delgado province, where citizens have become vulnerable to extremist groups. Mozambique is a fragile state unable to withstand mounting internal and external pressures”.

Economic growth fell from 7% in 2014 to 1,8% in 2023. More than 60% of Mozambicans live in poverty.

THE CURRENT CRISIS

Since gaining independence 49 years ago, this former Portuguese colony has faced numerous challenges. One is the bloody jihadist insurgency that’s been raging in the far north of the country since 2017. But since the elections in October the entire country has been a powder keg, says Professor Theo Neethling, a political expert from the University of the Free State.