Protests Disrupt Trade and Aluminum Smelter in Mozambique

Since late October, Mozambique has experienced significant post-election protests that have disrupted trade and impacted a major aluminum smelter. The Constitutional Council is expected to confirm contentious election results by December 23, while opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for further protests based on the outcome. The unrest has led to delays for 24 vessels and caused six ships to avoid the main port in Maputo, as reported by Grindrod. At least 130 people have died in the protests, attributed to law enforcement actions, marking a surge in political instability and economic unease, with Mozambique's eurobond trading below 81 cents on the dollar. Although protests have diminished following a tropical cyclone that resulted in at least 73 deaths, Mondlane warns that the Council's ruling could lead the country towards peace or chaos. He has relocated to an undisclosed location amid these tensions.