Russia plans to exploit the political crisis in Mozambique to advance its interests

The political crisis in Mozambique is escalating, with mass opposition protests against the presidential election results pushing the situation toward further conflict. Over the past month alone, clashes between protesters and security forces have claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

This information was repoerted by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

The instability has severely impacted Mozambique's economy. Major foreign mining companies have either suspended operations or are planning to do so in the near future. Fiscal revenues have plummeted, and salary payments to civil servants may face indefinite delays. A domestic debt default is also possible, with the debt having risen to $6.3 billion since 2020. Other sectors, including tourism, retail, and road and maritime logistics, have suffered significant setbacks.

Russia intends to leverage the instability to advance its interests, potentially offering military aid to Mozambique's government in exchange for substantial concessions, such as establishing a naval base.

However, mindful of past events in Syria, Russian authorities are preparing for the potential evacuation of their embassy as a precaution.