South Africa has temporarily closed its main border crossing with Mozambique following reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side. This closure comes amid escalating violence and protests in Mozambique, where opposition supporters have taken to the streets to contest what they call a fraudulent election result.

Authorities in South Africa have confirmed that several Mozambican officials sought refuge in the neighboring country, citing safety concerns due to the ongoing unrest. According to human rights organizations, more than a dozen people have been killed in the protests, with demonstrators clashing with security forces.

The protests erupted after the Frelimo party, which has been in power since 1975, secured a controversial election victory on October 24th. Opposition groups have denounced the results as fraudulent and have filed an appeal to the country’s constitutional council to challenge the outcome.

In response to the violence, Mozambican security forces have used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters, while the government has warned that it may deploy the military to restore order. The authorities have also restricted access to the internet and social media, further fueling tensions in the country.

The situation remains tense, with both political and humanitarian concerns growing as Mozambique grapples with the aftermath of the disputed election.