Protests cut Mozambique’s power supply by 1/3

Mozambique’s electricity supply to its southern regions, including the capital Maputo, has dropped by one-third after protests over the disputed October 9 elections forced the shutdown of two major power plants.

State-owned Electricidade de Moçambique reported that protests at the Ressano Garcia and Gigawatt plants, which rely on natural gas from Johannesburg-based Sasol Ltd., cut electricity production by 250 megawatts, halting exports to neighbouring countries.

The demonstrations, led by opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, have resulted in at least 90 deaths, mostly from clashes with police, as well as hundreds of injuries and thousands of arrests. Protesters have also attacked courts, police stations, and ruling party offices, escalating tensions nationwide.

Attribution: Bloomberg

Subediting: M. S. Salama