The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for two popular holiday destinations after more than 1,500 prisoners recently escaped from a prison in the country after political unrest
Brits are being warned to avoid travel to Mozambique and certain areas of South Africa due to “ongoing unrest” following recent elections that has claimed the lives of 179 people.The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning, advising against “all but essential travel” to Mozambique and recommending that travellers avoid some regions in South Africa.
On December 30, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated: “Due to the ongoing unrest across Mozambique, FDCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Mozambique and continues to advise against all travel to parts of Mozambique. Essential travel may be disrupted, including delays or closures at the border at short notice.”
This travel warning also extends to parts of the South Africa – Mozambique border. The alert follows a massive jailbreak in Mozambique this December amidst political turmoil sparked by contested election outcomes.
Authorities reported that 33 individuals were killed and 15 wounded during confrontations with prison guards. Police chief Bernardino Rafael, during a press briefing post-incident, confirmed that about 150 escapees had been apprehended, reports the Express.
Protests broke out on Monday after Mozambique’s supreme court upheld the victory of the incumbent Frelimo party, which has been in power since 1975, in the October presidential elections. The FDCO added: “There is significant unrest across Mozambique which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Protests can be violent and occur at short notice.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a stark warning to Brits travelling to Mozambique due to escalating violence. “Police have used live ammunition, leading to civilians being killed and injured. There are increased incidents of criminality including looting, break-ins, and robberies.”
The FCDO advises: “If you are in Mozambique, seek local advice and monitor the local media. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid travelling after dark. Roads, routes to airports and border crossings can quickly be restricted, blocked or closed, affecting services and transport nationwide.”
The “all but essential” travel warning extends across Mozambique, with additional guidance against all travel to certain districts in Cabo Delgado Province, where there is a heightened risk of attacks by groups linked to Islamist extremism.
The advice covers the districts of:
- Chiure
- Mueda
- Nangade
- Palma, except Palma town, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
- Mocímboa da Praia
- Muidumbe
- Meluco
- Macomia
- Quissanga
- Ibo, including the islands off the coast
In reference to the impact of recent events on travel to South Africa, the FCDO said: “Unpredictable violence has occurred in the area around the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land border with South Africa/Mozambique. Seek local advice, monitor the local media and FCDO’s travel advice for Mozambique before travel.”
You should always check FCDO advice for any country before travelling. Failing to do so could not only be unsafe but invalidate your travel insurance.
