The aftermath of Mozambique’s contested presidential election has led to a dramatic surge in the number of refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries. Nearly 3,000 Mozambicans have fled their homes due to violence and ongoing unrest following the disputed election results, which saw the ruling Frelimo party retain power for the third consecutive term since the country’s independence.
The election, held on October 9, 2024, was marred by accusations of fraud, voter intimidation, and irregularities, with opposition groups refusing to accept the outcome. For almost two months, demonstrations and protests have erupted across Mozambique, demanding justice and a re-examination of the election results. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who was defeated in the election, had planned to address the nation on January 2 to outline the next phase of his protest movement, but he canceled the speech at the last minute, citing safety concerns amidst increasing violence.

Refugee Influx in Eswatini and Malawi
The escalating conflict has led thousands of Mozambicans to seek refuge in neighboring countries, with the majority fleeing to Eswatini and Malawi. According to an internal note from Eswatini’s government, nearly 1,000 Mozambicans have crossed the border over the past two months. Many of the refugees have sought shelter at the Malindza Refugee Centre, which is located near the border and was originally designed to accommodate just 250 people. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported that the center is overwhelmed, and resources are quickly running out. The agency is urgently calling for increased funding and resources to address the growing refugee crisis.

To the north, Malawi has also seen a significant rise in refugee numbers. In the past week alone, nearly 2,000 Mozambicans have crossed into Malawi, according to UNHCR reports. Many of these refugees fled their homes after experiencing violent attacks, looting, and destruction in their villages. The journey to safety has been perilous for many, with some risking their lives to cross the Shire River by swimming or using makeshift boats to reach the relative safety of Malawi.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
As violence continues to grip Mozambique, the impact on neighboring countries has become increasingly severe. Both Eswatini and Malawi are struggling to cope with the influx of refugees, as they face resource shortages and rising humanitarian needs. The UNHCR has stated that, with limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demands of the displaced populations.

The situation in Mozambique remains volatile, with no resolution in sight. The failure of the opposition to accept the election results and the continuing protests against the Frelimo government suggest that the unrest will persist, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
As international aid agencies scramble to provide assistance, the growing refugee crisis is highlighting the urgent need for political dialogue, peaceful resolution, and increased support from the global community to help alleviate the suffering of displaced Mozambicans and the neighboring countries bearing the brunt of the crisis.
