Mozambique 1 March 2017: Truce extension in sight

Good afternoon. The end of the truce, which has seen peace reign, more or less, throughout Mozambique since 27 December, is upon us this Friday. Neither side has yet made a definitive statement that it will be extended, but the peace process is moving forward and we expect an extension to be announced today or tomorrow.

SEE: High-powered ambassador group to support Mozambique peace process

Mozambique’s other top priority is dealing with its ‘hidden debts’, and Finance Minister Maleiane told journalists on Monday that he hoped to have a restructure proposal ready by the end of March. Today, he cancelled a press conference he was due to give regarding this year’s budget, with no date yet for a reschedule.

FREE TO READ: Mozambique aims to have debt restructure proposal by end of March – report

Carlos Mesquita, the controversial Transport Minister who was exposed in the local press last week for continuing to win government logistics contracts, has finally signed the concession deal that will see a new coal terminal built at the Port of Beira. Mesquita used to manage Beira port until he was appointed to government, at which point the job passed to his brother.

SEE: Mozambique to allow Zimbabwean iron ore exports through new coal terminal

Mozambique’s cheap coal is putting Malawi’s miners out of business, according to reports in that country.

SEE: Cheap Mozambican coal leading to shutdown of Malawi’s mines – report

A project to rehabilitate two colonial-era hydropower dams is almost complete in Manica province, having started work almost three years ago.

SEE: International consortium completes Mozambique hydropower rehab project

And in the province of Inhambane, Sasol says its oil and gas project is making progress “in line with expectations”.

SEE: Sasol’s Mozambique oil project progress ‘in line with expectations’

Have a great week.
 

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