482 Chapter 4
serious consequences for his country. The president of Mozambique even went as far
as to threaten to blockade Malawi and place Soviet missiles on its border.
541 Mozambique/560 South Africa
MID#3070
Dispute Number: 3070
Date(s): April 13, 1983 to October 17, 1983
Participants: 541 Mozambique/560 South Africa
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: This dispute describes a series of incidents and rising tensions across the
South African-Mozambican border in 1983. First, on April 13, Mozambican forces
detained a South African fishing vessel. Then on May 20, a car bomb exploded in
Pretoria, just outside the South African air force headquarters. The attack was claimed
by the African National Congress (ANC), targeting the apartheid regime. There were
civilian deaths, as well as at least 10 military deaths. In retaliation, South African war
planes raided Maputo on May 23. South Africa stated that they had warned Mozam-
bique against supporting the ANC, and then, on October 17, again carried out a “pre-
emptive” strike against an ANC target in Maputo.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from April 12, 1983.
MID#2801
Dispute Number: 2801
Date(s): May 29, 1987 to May 30, 1987
Participants: 560 South Africa/541 Mozambique
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: South African commandos launched a raid into Maputo, Mozambique,
aimed at an African National Congress headquarters there. Three Mozambican civil-
ians were killed. Some of the commandos were captured shortly after.
Coding changes: End Date changed from May 29, 1987.
MID#2800
Dispute Number: 2800
Date(s): December 24, 1987 to December 29, 1987
Participants: 541 Mozambique/560 South Africa
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Mozambique detained a South African helicopter crew after the pilot
changed the planned route. The helicopter was going to assist with a search for wreck-
age from a plane crash. South Africa secured release of the helicopter and crew a few
days later.