Mozambique 23 June 2017: The waiting game
Good afternoon. The executive summary of the hotly-anticipated Kroll audit - originally expected by the end of May - was due to be published today, sources told Zitamar early in June. It’s still not out yet, but our understanding is that we are getting very close indeed.
There was bad news for Mozambique this week after opposition Renamo reported two attacks in the province of Manica which, the party said, represented a violation of the truce that has held since the start of the year. The two incidents seem not, however, to have triggered a return to more widespread conflict.
SEE: Mozambique government accused of breaking truce with Renamo shooting
At Tuesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, the government approved new regulations for the forestry sector which should bring an end to the export of unprocessed wood.
SEE: Mozambique introduces new regulations to stop export of unprocessed wood
One of Mozambique’s top exporters, ruby miner Gemfields, is now the subject of a bidding war between Pallinghurst Resources - a company closely linked to Gemfields already - and a new suitor from China.
SEE: Bidding war intensifies for Mozambique ruby mine owner
And finally, there was more speculation this week that Islamist organisation Al Shabaab is operating in northern Mozambique - enough to worry the police into taking action.
SEE: Analysis: After years of speculation, Al Shabaab appears in Mozambique
Monday is a public holiday in Mozambique, which Zitamar will observe - returning on Tuesday, unless major news breaks.
Have a great Independence Day!