Mozambique 18 May: Renamo comes back to the negotiating table
Good morning. There is new hope today for a peaceful solution to the conflict taking place in central Mozambique that is costing lives on a daily basis. In an interview yesterday with independent television station STV, Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama says he will nominate a team of negotiators tomorrow to restart dialogue with the Frelimo-led government of Filipe Nyusi.
Significantly, Dhlakama also seems to have changed his stance on taking six central and northern provinces by force.
SEE: Mozambique opposition leader wants provincial elections in 2019
The interview is reproduced in print by O Pais today, and there is much of interest – including Dhlakama’s thoughts on Mozambique’s debt situation. This morning, finance minister Adriano Maleiane is testifying before two parliamentary committees to provide further clarifications on the repayment schedules for the EMATUM, ProIndicus, and MAM loans – among other issues. Stay tuned to Zitamar for more developments.
Maleiane on Friday apologised on behalf of the government for having covered up the loans taken out in 2013-14. The central bank, on the other hand, turned its fire on western donors who have frozen their support to the government budget - while questions are being asked about whether the governor knew about the hidden debts all along.
SEE: Mozambique government says sorry, but unrepentant central bank turns fire on donors
The opposition is still looking for a coherent response to the crisis, however – and this weekend could see another failed attempt to organise a mass protest. Renamo and the MDM, as well as major civil society groups, have decided not to add their support to calls from a group of minor political parties for a mass demonstration in Maputo – citing doubts over the organisers’ motives.
FREE TO READ: Planned Maputo protest in doubt as Renamo and MDM withhold support
And finally, a timber-focused investment fund that used to be the largest shareholder in Green Resources, the Norwegian company with huge forestry concessions in northern Mozambique, has lost patience with the project and sold off its stake at an 83% loss.
SEE: Norwegian forestry firm plans $15m rights issue following shareholder exit
Have a great rest of the week.