The operation was led by Sasol Petroleum Mozambique, Limitada, in partnership with the Mozambican government and the state-owned National Hydrocarbons Company (ENH) under a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The IPF, among the most advanced facilities of its kind in Africa, is designed to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of LPG per year. According to Sasol, this could reduce Mozambique’s LPG imports by approximately 70%, making gas supply more affordable, reliable, and locally available, as in countries like Nigeria , Algeria, and Egypt

“This is a significant step towards monetising natural gas within the country and creating greater value for the domestic market,” said Ovídio Rodolfo, Sasol’s managing director in Mozambique.

The LPG is sourced from natural gas reserves in the Inhassoro and Govuro fields and processed through advanced separation and treatment systems that ensure cleaner, safer fuel for household use.

On the African continent, Algeria remains the continent’s largest LPG producer , with over 8.1 million tonnes annually, accounting for more than half of Africa’s total output. Nigeria follows with about 1 million tonnes, despite facing logistical and infrastructural hurdles in domestic distribution. Egypt produces 1.9 million tonnes per year, supported by robust infrastructure.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stronger representation of women in political leadership, a message that resonated strongly in Mozambique, where female leaders are increasingly asserting influence across political and civic spaces. During a global summit on women’s participation, Mozambique reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusivity in governance. The country’s delegation highlighted progress in education, healthcare, and social inclusion, while acknowledging that systemic barriers remain. The event has further strengthened diplomatic ties between Beijing and Maputo, aligning their development agendas on gender parity and leadership equality.

Prime minister highlights Mozambique’s progress at women leaders meeting

At a regional meeting of women leaders, Mozambique’s Prime Minister underscored the government’s achievements in promoting women’s political participation and economic empowerment. She emphasised that gender equality is not just a social imperative but an economic strategy for national development. Her remarks detailed new initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, expanding educational access, and providing financing opportunities for female-led startups. These initiatives, she noted, are part of a broader agenda to ensure that women occupy central roles in Mozambique’s policy and decision-making processes.

Post-election fallout leaves over 12,000 workers without compensation

In the aftermath of Mozambique’s recent elections, trade unions have reported that more than 12,000 workers were dismissed without compensation, raising concerns about labour rights and post-election governance. The affected workers, primarily from public and semi-public sectors, allege political bias in the dismissals, claiming they were targeted for perceived affiliations with opposition parties. The unions have appealed for government intervention and international mediation to address the issue. Labour groups warn that unresolved grievances could escalate into strikes or social unrest if not promptly addressed.

World Bank and Mozambique usher in a new era of cooperation anchored in energy

The World Bank and the Mozambican government have entered a new phase of strategic cooperation , focusing on energy development as a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation. The partnership emphasises expanding renewable energy projects, improving power grid infrastructure, and ensuring energy access for rural populations. World Bank officials described Mozambique as a “key partner” in sustainable growth for southern Africa. The initiative aligns with Mozambique’s ambition to become a regional energy hub through investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and solar capacity.

Portugal to assist Mozambique in tackling businessman kidnappings

In response to a troubling surge in kidnappings of businessmen and professionals, Portugal has pledged closer cooperation with Mozambican authorities to combat organised crime. The partnership includes intelligence sharing, specialised training for local police units, and the development of joint task forces. Portuguese officials emphasised that such incidents threaten investor confidence and bilateral economic relations. Mozambique’s government has welcomed the collaboration, framing it as an important step in restoring security and strengthening ties between the two Portuguese-speaking nations.

"Vision Hope is a form of assistive robotics. It enables visually impaired individuals to go from one place to another without relying on others," Rego explained in an interaction with the AFP.

Rego’s invention first gained public recognition in 2022 during the “Jovem Creativo” (Creative Youth) competition, where he emerged as one of 15 winners out of more than 4,000 applicants, claiming a top spot in the Technological Innovation category.

What began as a simple prototype has since evolved into a fully patented product. He said that "In 2023 and 2024, we entered the registration phase. The smart glasses are now patented, and the intellectual property has been secured.”

 “ Technology developed abroad might not fit our local reality,” he said. “So why not build something that works for us in Mozambique, a technology that starts here and grows to serve Africa and beyond?” he added.

The Vision Hope system is ingeniously designed and includes over 60 insulated cables wrapped in traditional Mozambican capulana fabric, all leading to a portable pouch. The pouch has a battery, a controller, a GPS unit, and a dedicated charge controller.

A report by the Centre for Public Integrity revealed that accommodating ruling Frelimo party politicians on boards of state-owned companies cost over 185 million meticais (USD 2.8 million) in 2023. The NGO noted that the spending on just 33 non-executive board members in seven enterprises surpassed what the state pays 1,760 low-tier public servants. “HCB had two non-executive members, to whom it paid a total of 77.2 million meticais per year,” the report said. “The amount refers to the non-executive members of seven public companies and institutions, namely Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), which operates the Cahora Bassa dam on the Zambezi River; the insurance company EMOSE; the rail and port company, CFM; the Matola Silos and Bulk Terminal (STEMA); the National Investment Bank (BNI); the Mozambique Stock Exchange (BVM), and the Mozambique national publishing house (Imprensa Nacional),” reads the report. For its part, the BNI had eight non-executive members up until 2023, earning a total of 16.8 million Meticais a year, Club of Mozambique reports.

Debt-for-climate swaps gaining

Mozambique is pursuing debt-for-climate swaps to redirect debt repayments into climate action. Finance Minister Carla Loveira explained, “We know how exposed our country is to climate change,” adding that there is “interest from some countries” in the swaps. “Mozambique is already designing a climate finance strategy,” she said at the UN’s Financing for Development conference in Spain, confirming that an agreement has been signed with Belgium. The minister added that “there is interest” from some countries in these debt-for-climate swaps, “There are interested countries, some of which have already expressed their interest, and we with which we have already reached an agreement, such as Belgium. And, therefore, this is a segment that we are working on,” Bulletin reports.

Insurgents preying on children in Cabo Delgado

Islamist insurgents in Cabo Delgado have been condemned for abducting over 120 children in recent days. “These armed groups are insurgents, they are terrorists, they are devils,” said Johan Viljoen of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI). Human Rights Watch called on militants to release abductees immediately, warning that “the surge in abductions of children in Cabo Delgado adds to the horrors of the conflict.” Viljoen added, “It is their nature to terrorize civilian populations, to abduct children,” Catholic World Report quotes. According to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, children are entitled to special respect and protection, including being shielded from hostilities, kept with their families, and receiving necessary care and aid. Viljoen, however, contends that insurgents abusing children, through actions like terrorizing civilians and abductions, demonstrate an inherent nature that defies this international legal standard. “Surely nobody would have been expecting them [the armed groups] to observe international law and to observe the Geneva Convention and all of that. It is their nature to terrorize civilian populations, to abduct children. They do it in whichever part of the world they operate,” Viljoen told CWR. The DHPI director decried the “terrible dangers” the children face, explaining that “the boys are forced to take up arms and to fight. The girls are either used for sex or to carry goods or to cook, or they are forced into marriage. So the children face huge dangers.”

TotalEnergies plans LNG project restart

TotalEnergies announced plans to resume its USD 20 billion Mozambique LNG project in 2025 after halting operations due to security threats. The project aims to produce 13 million tons of LNG per year, with expansion potential to 43 million tons. “This is a segment that we are working on,” the company said, positioning Mozambique as a major LNG exporter targeting Asia and the Middle East, Africa News reports. In 2024, TotalEnergies deployed two deepwater rigs in the country – one at the Moho permit and one at the Marine permit. The exploration phase has been completed, with drilling activities officially underway. Two wells have been drilled to date, with a third well in progress and a fourth being planned. Drilling activities come as TotalEnergies expands its presence in the country, increasing its stake in the Moho permit by an additional 10%. TotalEnergies is also accelerating the development of the Marine XX permit – a deepwater block currently in the exploration phase.

EU training boosts military capacity

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique trained over 450 Mozambican troops in the first half of 2025. Activities ranged from leadership and tactical driving to civil-military cooperation. “In a joint effort to contribute to the social and educational development of the local population,” the mission carried out solidarity initiatives benefiting children, including school supply donations and support for orphanages.

Working from his family’s dining room in Matola, near Maputo, Rego’s invention uses sensors to detect obstacles and warn users through vibrations.

His Vision Hope smart glasses are being tested by people like Armando Ernesto Chau, a 45-year-old father who lost his sight two decades ago.

Chau says the device helps him avoid danger and could allow him to leave home without relying on others.

The latest version of the glasses has a wider field of detection, improved battery life, and GPS tracking to help families keep in touch with users.

Rego is already planning new features like waterproofing and sensors that can spot thin wires or small puddles, details that matter in everyday life.

For people like Chau, it’s more than a tool, its also a chance to reclaim independence.

“If the glasses are made the way I suggest, it will help us a lot, me and many other visually impaired people out there,” Chau told the AFP.

His goal is to partner with companies that can help him produce the glasses for use across Mozambique, where millions live with vision loss.

The decision was announced in a statement signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mário Brito dos Santos.

It cited the need to uphold the integrity of academic and administrative processes, especially during the examination period.

Although the university did not publicly name the lecturers involved, the report concluded that their conduct violated the institution’s code of ethics.

The investigation began after several male students reported repeated incidents involving lecturers allegedly demanding sexual favours and engaging in corrupt practices.

Students who have since completed their courses said the misconduct has existed for years, though it appears to have worsened more recently.

As a result of the dismissals, the university said the affected subjects will be reassigned to faculty from other campuses in Nampula and Niassa to ensure students’ assessments continue without disruption.

The case has sparked wider concern about abuse of power and gender dynamics within Mozambican higher education institutions, especially in regions where access to justice and student protections are often limited.

Meanwhile, the university has pledged to strengthen oversight and ensure all students, regardless of gender, are treated with respect and fairness throughout their academic journey.

South African firm Grindrod will invest $80 million over two years to expand the Matola Coal Terminal at Maputo Port from 8 million to 12 million tonnes annually. President Daniel Chapo, at the launch of new administrative facilities, emphasised prioritising rail over road to boost efficiency and regional competitiveness. The investment aims to create 800 direct jobs by 2027 and enhance sustainable development through integrated logistics.

Jihadist attacks in Mozambique as Total plans gas project restart

Islamic State-linked militants have renewed attacks in northern Mozambique, including deadly raids on military posts and a wildlife reserve, as TotalEnergies prepares to restart its major gas project. Analysts link the violence to recent announcements, including $4.7 billion in new funding from the US.

Mozambique keeps key interest rate steady at 18% in June

Mozambique’s benchmark interest rate for credit will remain at 18% in June, according to the Mozambican Banking Association (AMB). The rate has fallen steadily from 24.1% in January 2024, with a 0.5 percentage point cut in May and earlier in March. The AMB kept it steady at 19% in February and April. This decline follows reductions in the central bank’s monetary policy interest rate (MIMO rate), which dropped from 12.25% in January to 11.75% in March, reflecting continued low inflation expectations despite fiscal risks. Meanwhile, credit to the economy rose slightly in March to nearly 285 billion meticais (€3.99 billion), after a notable drop in February.

Government settles all unpaid debt service from 2024

Mozambique fully cleared its 2024 external debt arrears in Q1 2025 , paying $210.34 million (€185.6 million) in principal and interest, according to a Ministry of Finance report. Over half of the €47.3 million in unpaid debt was owed to Portugal. Payment delays had been blamed on post-election unrest and budget shortfalls. The report warns of added fiscal pressure in 2025 due to residual obligations and debt management system limitations.

Chapo wants fewer trucks, more trains to the port of Maputo

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has called the growing use of road transport for coal and magnetite to the Matola Coal Terminal “unacceptable,” urging a return to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Speaking at the inauguration of Grindrod’s new office and the launch of an $80 million expansion, Chapo stressed that Matola’s infrastructure was built for rail. He also highlighted the $160 million container terminal project and the broader port expansion under the 25-year extension of the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) concession, which includes $600 million in planned investments. MPDC aims to modernise facilities, reduce logistics costs, and create new jobs, reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a logistics hub in southern Africa.

According to him, the team will include experts from different fields and will support efforts to introduce AI in a way that supports growth and inclusion.

Mr Valá said many people in Mozambique still lack access to basic technology and the internet .

This, he said, makes it difficult for them to take advantage of opportunities that come with digital progress.

The new group will help set up rules for using AI and encourage its use in public services and business, Club of Mozambique reports.

Mozambique joins other countries around the world trying to manage the rise of AI while making sure no one is left behind.

Harvard University researchers have proposed a novel method for treating malaria by potentially ridding mosquitoes of the malaria parasite through specific drugs absorbed via their legs, as reported by Dr Alexandra Probst. This approach could lead to the development of drug-coated bed nets aimed at long-term malaria control, especially in areas where insecticide resistance has developed.

Mozambique investigates maritime attack

Following an attack on the Russian research vessel ‘Atlantida’ near Cabo Delgado on May 10, Mozambique's government has initiated an investigation. The vessel was targeted by unidentified boats while returning to port, raising concerns about security linked to terrorist activities in the region, as noted by government spokesperson Inosencio Impissa.

Free emergency calls initiative in Mozambique

Starting in 2026, all three mobile operators in Mozambique will provide free emergency calls as part of an agreement with the Ministry of the Interior's Public Security Management System, reported Lusa. This initiative aims to enhance public safety by allowing citizens to contact emergency services without cost, regardless of their mobile network.

President Chapo calls for transparency in supplier payments

During a visit to the Ministry of Finance, President Daniel Chapo stressed the importance of transparency in paying state suppliers. He highlighted that meeting financial commitments is crucial for restoring supplier trust and improving the business environment in Mozambique, as reported , amidst calls for a dedicated allocation in the State Budget for settling overdue invoices.

Renegotiation of megaproject contracts

Mozambique's government has reaffirmed its commitment to renegotiating contracts related to megaprojects, including Mozal’s aluminium smelter, to better serve national interests. As stated by government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa, the need for such deliberations arises from changing circumstances since the original agreements, aligning with the goals set in the Five-Year Government Programme.

The financing package includes $33.2 million from the African Development Fund and an additional $10.4 million from the Bank’s Climate Action Window, a dedicated fund assisting 37 low-income African nations in building climate-resilient infrastructure in line with the Paris Agreement.

“This project is a major step forward in Mozambique’s transition to a low-carbon energy future,” says Kevin Kariuki, the Bank Group’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, adding that, “It will deliver affordable electricity, support local industry, and improve livelihoods.”

The project includes the construction of two 43-kilometre, single-circuit, 66-kilovolt transmission lines , as well as critical network upgrades and equipment to ensure stable power delivery. Once operational, the system will enable thousands of new electricity connections, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

It is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 71,000 tons annually and strengthen regional energy trade through the Southern African Power Pool.

“This investment strengthens the backbone of Mozambique’s power system while accelerating access to clean energy for people who need it most,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of the Bank’s Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations Department.

The initiative forms part of the African Development Bank’s “Light Up and Power Africa” strategy and supports Mozambique’s national objective of achieving universal electrification by 2030 under its Mission 300 roadmap.

The fighting has gone on for several years in Cabo Delgado province, where rebels attacked villages and forced thousands to flee their homes.

However Mozambican officials say the area is finally back under control.

The country’s Chief of Defense Intelligence, Ricardo Macuvele, said this happened with the help of soldiers from other southern African countries.

He expressed appreciation to the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique for supporting the fight and also praised Zambia for helping recover areas that were once under rebel control.

“Zambia also helped us a lot to contain the situation. The territory which you helped us recover from the terrorists, we still hold it and we have even captured the last training camps for the rebels,” Macuvele said during a visit to Lusaka.

Zambia’s Defence Ministry said it will continue working with Mozambique to stop terrorism and cross-border crimes.

The government says the capture of the final camps is a sign that peace may finally return to the region, local reports say.

In multiple documented incidents, security forces used live ammunition and less-lethal weapons, such as tear gas and rubber bullets, indiscriminately, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

"Amnesty International’s Digital Verification Corps and Crisis Evidence Lab verified 105 videos and photos that showed evidence of the use of lethal and less lethal weapons by security forces in the context of the protests...Two physicians who treated dozens of persons injured in the context of the protests told Amnesty International that they saw patients injured by bullets, KIPs, and tear gas. Injuries included bone fractures, internal bleeding, serious damage to organs, chest injuries, and breathing problems," the report read in part.

According to Plataforma DECIDE, a local civil society group that tracked the violence via a hotline, at least 315 people were killed and more than 3,000 injured during the protests, which followed contested general election results announced in October. The crackdown also included mass arrests of over 4,000 people - among them children as young as 14 - many of whom were detained without legal representation.

“These acts amount to gross violations of the right to life, freedom of assembly, and freedom from arbitrary detention and torture,” Amnesty International stated. “Mozambican police and army units acted unlawfully and with impunity, targeting both protesters and bystanders.”

Amnesty interviewed 28 individuals, including victims, eyewitnesses, medical professionals, lawyers, and family members of those affected.

Amnesty has urged the Mozambican government to launch impartial and thorough investigations into all allegations of excessive force, killings, and unlawful detentions, as well as  justice and reparations for victims.

Mozambique, which discovered vast gas reserves in the deepwater Rovuma Basin in 2010, began exporting LNG last year. The country has attracted significant foreign investment in its energy sector, despite disruptions caused by militant attacks.

Another stalled LNG project in the country is expected to resume soon, following the Trump administration’s approval of a $4.7 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank.

Khaled Salmeen, XRG’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal. “We are proud and excited to be part of the responsible development of Mozambique’s world-class Rovuma Basin. Together with the Government of Mozambique and our partners, we look forward to sharing our expertise, adding value, and accelerating these developments towards their full potential LNG capacity,” he said.

XRG’s acquisition in Mozambique marks its first investment in the country, reinforcing its strategy of building a world-scale, integrated gas portfolio to meet growing global energy demand. The company already has LNG assets in Azerbaijan, Egypt, and the United States.

“This mission is not validating or invalidating the results,” Ballarin clarified. “We are focusing solely on the electoral process with a defined methodology.”

The EU’s final report indicated that the October 2024 election was fraught with several issues in the electoral process. Ballarin stressed the mission’s desire for the report to serve as a tool to support reforms and foster accountability.

“We agree that the Council of State and all political powers, including the President of the Republic, have already recognised the crucial importance of a new electoral reform," she noted. "This will hopefully help Mozambicans regain their confidence in public institutions."

Ballarin also addressed concerns about the influence of social media, including TikTok, on the election, stating that the mission found no evidence of favoritism toward any candidates on the platform.

The elections, held in October, led to weeks of unrest that claimed over 300 lives as security forces cracked down on demonstrations called by the opposition. The protests were fueled by allegations of vote-rigging by opposition leader Renamo.

Despite these controversies, President Daniel Chapo of the long-ruling Frelimo party assumed office in mid-January after being declared the winner with 65 percent of the vote.

For now, the country’s 160,000 teachers are carrying the load in many schools.

Government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa, acknowledged the problem, calling it a serious challenge.

Many teachers are already overworked , and unpaid overtime has sparked tensions. Last week, teachers at several schools refused to supervise exams, demanding long-overdue payments.

Newly appointed Education Minister Samaria Tovela, who took office on January 28, says she plans to meet with teachers to address the issue.

Despite the shortage, the government insists that schools will open on time. However, in some areas, like Maputo and Nampula, reopening may not be possible.

Several schools were damaged during protests in December when demonstrators, angry over the results of the October election, set classrooms, offices, and even libraries on fire.

School textbooks are however expected to arrive on time unlike in 2024 when many students had to wait until August for books, even though classes started in February.

This year, the Ministry of Education says textbooks will be available at the start of the school year, both in print and digital formats.

The government must wait for parliament to approve key policy documents before confirming recruitment numbers.

Speaking in an interview with the AFP, Mondlane emphasised the need for immediate and unconditional action to halt the violence.

“If there are no guarantees that we will stop, immediately and unconditionally, the escalation of violence, murders, and silent genocide being committed against Mozambicans, I will not sign an agreement of this nature ,” he declared.

The opposition leader also highlighted the plight of individuals detained in connection with anti-government demonstrations, calling for their release as a prerequisite for any agreement. “I absolutely will not accept a pact that does not respect this. I'm not going to sign any agreement that doesn't give guarantees that around 4,000 or 5,000 people who are in debt, who are being tortured in jails as part of the demonstrations, be released,” Mondlane said.

Additionally, Mondlane underscored the necessity of state-provided medical assistance for those injured during the unrest, including individuals left temporarily or permanently disabled due to violence. “I’m not going to sign any agreement without guarantees that around 1,000 or 2,000 people who are in a situation of temporary disability or permanent disability because of the bullets, because of the aggression they’ve suffered, if they don’t have free medical assistance from the state,” he asserted.

Levi, a former justice minister and judge, will lead alongside other newly appointed ministers in the newly formed Cabinet.

Maria dos Santos Lucas, a career diplomat, has been named foreign minister, and Carla Alexandra Loveira will head the finance ministry. Cristóvão Chume remains as defense minister, continuing from the previous administration.

President Chapo, who was inaugurated on January 15, won the October 9 elections with 65% of the vote.

His main opponent, Venancio Mondlane, received 20% and disputed the results. Protests called by Mondlane have led to violence, with at least 308 people killed since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.

Speaking about the new Cabinet, Chapo promised a “New Era” of leadership. He urged the ministers to work for the benefit of all Mozambicans and to be accountable to the people.

In his oath of office, Chapo, 48, pledged to uphold the Constitution, promote national unity, and prioritise the well-being of the Mozambican people .

"I, Daniel Francisco Chapo, swear on my honour to respect and enforce the Constitution... to devote all my energies to the defence, promotion, and consolidation of national unity, human rights, democracy, and the well-being of the Mozambican people," he declared.

The October 2024 election has been mired in controversy, with opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane alleging widespread electoral fraud. The claims have fuelled tensions across the country, prompting calls from international observers for transparency and dialogue to address the political crisis.

Chapo's presidency continues the Frelimo dominance, which has spanned over five decades in Mozambique's politics .

Mozambicans flee to neighbouring Malawi amid post-election unrest

Over the week, more than 2,000 Mozambican families have sought refuge in Malawi, according to Malawian authorities. This comes as dozens of people have been reported killed amid escalating unrest following a disputed election in October. Read more here .

Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announces plan to repeal amnesty law: Video

On December 27, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced plans to repeal an amnesty law granted to former President Macky Sall. The law passed on March 6, 2024, provided amnesty for Sall and his administration for political violence that resulted in dozens of deaths. Read more here .

Chad holds parliamentary election likely to cement president's grip on power

On December 29, Chadians voted in a parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition. This election is expected to consolidate President Mahamat Idriss Deby's power and complete the transition to constitutional rule. Deby was elected in May, three years after seizing power following his father's death in battle. Read more here .

Asia

Malaysian man publicly caned for Islamic crime of proximity

A Malaysian man was caned at a mosque in Terengganu for the Islamic crime of proximity with a non-family member of the opposite sex. Mohd Affendi Awang, 42, was sentenced to six strokes of the cane and a fine after pleading guilty. This was his third conviction for the crime. Read more here .

Azerbaijan's president says crashed plane was shot at by Russia

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that a passenger plane crash last week, killing 38 people, was caused by an accidental shooting from the ground in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the incident, which occurred when Russian air defences engaged Ukrainian attack drones. Read more here .

North Korea launches 'toughest' U.S. strategy in key party meeting

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a key policy meeting last week, state media reported on December 29. Officials decided to launch the 'toughest' strategy against the United States to protect national interests. Read more here .

Latin America

Venezuela opposition adviser holed up in Argentine residence calls it 'prison'

The Argentine diplomatic residence in Caracas, where five Venezuelan opposition members are staying to avoid arrest, has become a 'prison,' according to one member. The residence has been without power for over a month, said Magalli Meda, adviser to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Read more here .

Brazil probes risks from chemicals after tankers plunged off collapsed bridge

Brazilian authorities are assessing water contamination risks after trucks carrying sulfuric acid and pesticides plunged into a river during a deadly bridge collapse. The 533-meter bridge linking Estreito and Aguiarnopolis gave way on Sunday, December 29. Read more here .

After Trump threat, Mexican president says Panama Canal belongs to Panamanians

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed support for Panama's government after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal. Read more here .

Eyewitnesses describe the horrifying scene, with protester Abubacar Ayuba Niavia from Nampula recounting how the woman was hit by the police vehicle. "She was hit really badly, critically. Her arm was broken, her leg was broken, and her face was badly scraped and bleeding. She couldn’t speak," he told the AFP.

Niavia, along with other protesters, carried the injured woman to seek help but was met with a lack of support from the authorities. "The military was watching, but no vehicles came to assist," he added. A TV crew later arrived and transported the woman to a hospital, but her condition remains unknown.

Pomade Claudio Amisse, a businessman from Angoche and the victim's partner, also expressed concern over her fate. "We don't know if she will survive. We took her to the hospital, but we don’t have any updates on her condition," he said.

Amisse also raised questions about the involvement of foreign soldiers in the incident, referring to rumors of Rwandan troops operating in the country. "We don’t know if the soldier was Mozambican or foreign, but the way he acted—he didn’t seem like one of ours," he remarked.

Since the post-election protests began, over 66 persons have been injured, while 34 deaths have been recorded, Mozambique's Centre for Democracy and Human Rights has noted. Most of the victims were between 25 and 35 years old, with others as young as 15.

At a rally in Maputo, Frelimo supporters gathered to back Chapo while calling for an end to the protests.

Antonio Niquisse, a party spokesman, described the event as "a peaceful march" and condemned the protests.

"We cannot and should not instigate the population to hatred, violence, looting, and destruction of our city."

The protests saw clashes with security forces which left dozens dead.

Rights groups have accused authorities of using excessive force, with reports of live ammunition fired at protesters. Human Rights Watch has called on the government to respect the right to peaceful demonstrations.

Frelimo member Flavia Cumbane appealed to Mondlane to engage in talks, saying, "Come back home, Venancio. Come collaborate with us with all your intelligence."

Meanwhile, Mondlane has expressed willingness to negotiate but has set conditions, including holding virtual talks and dropping legal cases against him.

The summit also reviewed ongoing security operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), extending the SADC mission’s mandate by one year. "This is part of the regional response to address the unstable security situation in Eastern DRC," Magosi added.

In Mozambique, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane declared three days of mourning for what he claimed were 50 fatalities resulting from clashes following the contested October 9 elections. Mondlane, speaking to supporters online, reiterated demands for a vote recount, accusing the ruling Frelimo party of electoral manipulation.

Rights organizations have criticized the government ’s heavy-handed response, alleging the use of live ammunition against protesters. The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) reported 65 deaths during the unrest, with human rights officer Andre Mulungo calling for accountability.

SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the region's collective efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and stability, stating, "We salute our gallant forces who protect the territorial integrity and collective security of our region."

"I wanted so much to be in Maputo with my people, but unfortunately, I received more than 5,000 messages on WhatsApp and more than 10,000 messages on Facebook. Everyone, 99% of those messages discouraged me from going to Maputo. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be there," he said.

Venancio has been in hiding overseas since October following violent protests that erupted after the ruling FRELIMO party, which has been in power for fifty years, secured victory.

Despite Venancio's absence, his supporters poured out in their numbers on the streets of Maputo on Thursday morning.

According to a Reuters witness, security forces were heavily deployed along the main highway as large crowds attempted to enter the city on foot.

However, Mozambican police fired another round of tear gas at hundreds of opposition supporters gathering in the capital for the largest protest yet against last month's contested election.

On Saturday, November 2, police in Maputo, dispersed hundreds of protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Clashes between protesters and police were also reported in Nampula, nearly 2,000 kilometres from the capital, after approximately 500 people took to the streets to challenge the election results.

Human rights groups report that at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since the October 9 vote.

The protests, led by the main opposition party RENAMO, began peacefully but quickly escalated as demonstrators clashed with heavily armed riot police.

The unrest has not been limited to Maputo. Similar protests have been reported in other parts of the country, including the port city of Beira and the province of Gaza.

Clashes between protesters and police were reported in Nampula, nearly 2,000 kilometres from the capital, after around 500 people took to the streets to contest the election results.

For an unnamed male protester who spoke to AFP in Maputo, the nation's state was too depressing to go back into the hands of FRELIMO.

"We have had bad governance for over 50 years, we are miserable, while the people suffer, the government lives well (well). They send their sons to study abroad while we, Mozambicans, stay here in a very bad education system, the hospitals are bad, the police are bad, the murders, the kidnapping perpetrators, we are tired of all this. Who has the rights? Please, come and help, the Mozambican people are suffering," he stated.

The election, held on October 9, 2024, has been marred by allegations of irregularities and violence. Two prominent opposition figures were killed in the lead-up to the vote, further fuelling tensions.

"Daniel Francisco Chapo Obtained 4,902762 votes. That's 70.67 per cent. Venancio Antonio Bila Mondlane obtained 1,402,517 votes. That accounts for 20.32 per cent," President of the National Election Commission, Carlos Matsinhe announced.

Chapo's victory extends Frelimo's nearly five-decade hold on power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

“As the Frelimo party, we want to once again reiterate our repudiation of the murders of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe as well as other citizens physically affected in this ongoing process of demonstrations,” said Chapo shortly after the results were announced in solidarity with the murdered opposition figures.

The election results have been met with mixed reactions. While Frelimo supporters celebrated the win, opposition parties and their supporters have raised allegations of electoral fraud.

Mondlane, who finished second, has called for peaceful protests and a national standstill to contest the election results. The opposition party Renamo's candidate, Ossufo Momade, finished third with less than 6% of the vote.