Southern Africa Daily Roundup


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Southern Africa

Daily Roundup

Tuesday 30 November 2021

Dear

Please find below our most recent Southern Africa Daily Roundup. If you have any queries about our reports please contact us at africaops@castorvali.com.

Overview

Headlines

Mozambique - Money transfer company suspends services in Cabo Delgado province; Concerns over vehicle smuggling and violence in border area with South Africa; Suspected militant activity in Niassa province

South Africa - Concerns over vehicle smuggling and violence in border area with Mozambique; Scientists divulge more information regarding omicron coronavirus variant

Zimbabwe - Coronavirus screenings tightened at borders

Countries activity

Mozambique

Money transfer company suspends services in Cabo Delgado province

Money transfer company Western Union suspended its services in Cabo Delgado province. According to reports from 28 November, the company did not provide reasons as to why it undertook the suspension; however, a statement released by the company suggests that the move may be due to regulatory and compliance issues. It has nonetheless pledged to resume its services as soon as possible. The company is one of few that facilitates foreign currency transfers and purchases in Cabo Delgado provinces, and is utilised by individuals, companies and banks (which use Western Union platforms). It is unclear whether there are any viable alternatives for the services provided by Western Union.

Concerns over vehicle smuggling and violence in border area with South Africa

Residents of the border area between South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and Mozambique’s Maputo province have complained about the uptick in violent vehicle theft and smuggling inbetween the two countries. According to reports from 29 November, syndicates involved in theft and smuggling have become more daring and dangerous. Additionally, members of the police and army are said to be on the payroll of such syndicates, thereby turning a blind eye to their activities. Authorities have also failed to erect concrete barriers in flashpoint areas. Typically, the syndicates will hijack vehicles in South Africa and smuggle them across the border area to “customers” in Mozambique. Vehicles said to be in demand include the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Volkswagen Touareg and the Mazda CX-5. The development is indicative of the threat of crossborder criminal activity between Mozambique and South Africa. In addition to vehicle smuggling, the trafficking of other contraband, weapons and even humans is common. Due to endemic corruption, a lack of political will and limited capacity among security bodies, such crimes are likely to become more prevalent in the foreseeable future.

Suspected militant activity in Niassa province

Several acts of violence associated with suspected insurgents were reported in Mozambique’s Niassa province between 24 and 27 November. In the first incident to be reported, suspected members of the Islamic State-aligned al-Sunnah network reportedly attacked the settlement of Gomba, located proximate to the Tanzanian border. On 26 November, suspected insurgents attacked a security installation in the settlement of Naulala. A day later, suspected insurgents reportedly clashed with security forces in the Mecula district, where on 25 November at least four policemen were killed when their convoy came under attack by unidentified assailants. The aforementioned incidents may indicate the possible spread of insurgent violence from Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province to neighbouring Niassa. This as state-aligned security forces continue to target militants and their interests in the north-eastern districts of Cabo Delgado province. It is assessed that Niassa province, particularly districts that border Tanzania and Cabo Delgado province, will experience further acts of insurgent violence in the near term. This could take the form of armed attacks targeting both state and civilian interests.

South Africa

Concerns over vehicle smuggling and violence in border area with Mozambique

Residents of the border area between South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and Mozambique’s Maputo province have complained about the uptick in violent vehicle theft and smuggling inbetween the two countries. According to reports from 29 November, syndicates involved in theft and smuggling have become more daring and dangerous. Additionally, members of the police and army are said to be on the payroll of such syndicates, thereby turning a blind eye to their activities. Authorities have also failed to erect concrete barriers in flashpoint areas. Typically, the syndicates will hijack vehicles in South Africa and smuggle them across the border area to “customers” in Mozambique. Vehicles said to be in demand include the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Volkswagen Touareg and the Mazda CX-5. The development is indicative of the threat of cross-border criminal activity between Mozambique and South Africa. In addition to vehicle smuggling, the trafficking of other contraband, weapons and even humans is common. Due to endemic corruption, a lack of political will and limited capacity among security bodies, such crimes are likely to become more prevalent in the foreseeable future.

Scientists divulge more information regarding omicron coronavirus variant

Doctors and scientists provided on 29 November more information about the omicron variant of coronavirus. According to the personnel, the omicron variant is now the dominant strain in South Africa, surpassing its predecessor, the delta variant. Omicron is also said to be more transmissible than delta, and is associated with more flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, fever, night sweats and general body pains. Nevertheless, it is said to be more mild than delta, while current vaccines and treatments still offer “good” protection, with the bulk of current hospitalisations being among the unvaccinated. The omicron variant is responsible for the spike in daily infections over the past week, especially in Gauteng province. Nationally, the 7-day moving average for infections has risen from 362 on 19 November to 2,255 on 29 November. On a more positive note, since the official announcement of the variant on 25 November, authorities have noted an uptick in vaccine uptake. However, with only 24.1 percent of the population fully vaccinated, the degree of vaccine penetration is still relatively low in terms of global averages and the benchmark for herd immunity.

Zimbabwe

Coronavirus screenings tightened at borders

Health authorities announced on 28 November that movement controls and coronavirus testing at borders have been heightened following the discovery of the new omicron coronavirus variant in the country on 25 November. In particular, measures imposed on travellers at the southern and western borders have been tightened. Thus far, the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and a number of other countries have banned all travel into and from Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga – who doubles as the country’s health minister – announced on 28 November that the country “should not panic because we are very prepared” against the new variant on account of the country’s robust vaccination campaign. As of 29 November, Zimbabwe had fully vaccinated 18.54 percent of the population, and had recorded 631 active coronavirus cases. Given the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron variant, it is possible that more stringent containment measures will be imposed in the coming weeks.

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