Mozambique 17 June: Progress on gas - and perhaps on peace
Good afternoon. As today's newsletter is being sent, the ‘mixed commission’ established to conduct preliminary peace talks between the Mozambique government and opposition Renamo is in session - possibly for the last time in its current format.
Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama told journalists by telephone this morning that he has spoken directly with President Nyusi over the last two days and agreed on the next steps – which do not appear to include face-to-face talks between the two men, for now. He also put conditions on calling a cease-fire.
SEE: Renamo sets cease-fire conditions after Mozambique president accepts mediators
Along with apparent progress on the political front, Mozambique this week also made progress on one of the major offshore gas projects that the government hopes will bring economic salvation. Eni’s floating LNG project now seems to be motoring towards a final investment decision after a key component of the project won regulatory approval.
SEE: Mozambique approves multi-billion dollar floating LNG contract
Meanwhile, Vale has confirmed that the recent attacks on its trains running to Beira have not stopped it exporting – thanks to the fact that the Nacala line is now up and running. Nevertheless, the ongoing conflict is taking an undeniable economic as well as human toll on the country.
SEE: Vale says exports unaffected by Mozambique rail attacks
Tomorrow, a protest march should take place in Maputo having secured the support of a broad coalition of civil society groups. The demo will call for peace as well as for an investigation into who was responsible for the $2 billion in illegally-guaranteed loans taken out by ProIndicus, EMATUM, and MAM.
Alarmingly, one of the figureheads of the human rights movement in Mozambique has started receiving death threats, in an apparent attempt to persuade her to call off the march. She insists she will not be moved.
SEE: Human rights leader says received death threats over planned protest on Saturday
Have a safe weekend.