South Africa Has 'Serious' Worries about Mozambique Unrest

South Africa on Thursday said violent clashes in Mozambique were a serious concern, with stability in the neighboring country critical to the rest of the region.

A 21-year peace deal was declared over earlier this week by the former Renamo rebels who fought against the Frelimo-led government in the country's brutal civil war, amid a fresh spate of skirmishes with government troops.

"It's a serious worry not only to us as a neighbor but also to the continent as a whole," government minister Collins Chabane told journalists.

Since the 1992 peace deal, Mozambique has held regular elections, with members of Renamo in parliament and in government, added Chabane.

The unrest is "happening on our shores, just around our borders", said Chabane.

"The stability of Mozambique is very critical for the stability of the region," he said, adding this was also needed for economic growth.

South Africa had not been asked to assist in the matter which has seen rising tensions and skirmishes in recent months.

"We think the Mozambicans have got the capacity both to deal with the challenges which they are facing, both security issues and the political issues," said Chabane.