Mozambique 12 May 2017: Responding to corruption
Good afternoon. We expect the international audit, conducted by Kroll, to be delivered today to the Attorney General’s office with no further delays. That does not mean the end of the waiting and speculation, however - its release to stakeholders and then the public will be a drawn-out affair over the next three months, as we explain today.
SEE: Kroll report summary should be public by the end of May
Once we know what’s in the report, the next question becomes how does Frelimo respond to it. The party has called a Central Committee meeting for the end of this month that will surely debate that question - and could determine the strength of Nyusi’s hand going into the all-important Congress later in the year.
SEE: Frelimo Central Committee convenes extraordinary meeting for end of May
So far, all options are still on the table in terms of prosecutions for those involved in the $2 billion debts incurred by ProIndicus, EMATUM, and MAM - as Frelimo’s parliamentary leader reaffirmed this week.
SEE: Frelimo parliament head says ‘hidden debt’ vote won’t impede investigation
An unfortunate precedent has been set this month, however, for how Mozambique responds to corruption. A former head of the state airports company has been re-hired as an advisor after serving half of a reduced prison sentence for his part in a $1.7m corruption scandal in 2008.
SEE: Aeroportos de Moçambique re-hires chairman who was jailed for corruption
Efforts to ensure Mozambique benefits fully from its rich gas resources continue. Zitamar News revealed this week that the national oil company, ENH, will be the biggest shareholder in a new insurance company aiming to capture some of the market when the offshore projects get underway.
SEE: ENH will be the largest shareholder in Mozambique’s new petroleum insurer
And the energy ministry is looking for a consultant to help it improve its strategy for using the gas for projects inside Mozambique.
SEE: Mozambique’s energy ministry seeks consultant for domestic gas projects
Have a great weekend.