Mozambique 25 May: IMF uses the 'c' word
Good morning. Mozambique’s journalists, academics, and political commentators continue their work today in an increased climate of fear after the attack on Monday on Jaime Macuane, a university professor and political pundit who was abducted and shot in the legs by unknown assailants.
Today’s edition of weekly newspaper Canal de Moçambique also contains more details on the case of the Renamo member who, having been brought to Maputo Central Hospital in after an attempt on his life in Manica province, was then subject to another kidnap attempt while in the hospital. He has now, with the help of Amnesty International and the Mozambican Human Rights League, been transferred to a private hospital whose name is not being disclosed.
In a country in which it is getting harder for Mozambicans to speak out, it is even more important that those who can, do. Presumably no one will try to assassinate IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, who has now used the ‘c’ word in relation to the hidden debts scandal. Mozambique, she said, is a country that has been “clearly concealing corruption.”
SEE: IMF’s Lagarde says Mozambique is ‘concealing corruption’
This morning marks the first meeting between the negotiating teams nominated by President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, mandated to find a way for the two leaders to start talks. Fighting appears to be intensifying in northern and central areas so an agreement is increasingly urgent.
The President’s negotiating team is headed up by General Jacinto Veloso – whose long-running dispute with London-listed mining firm Pathfinder Minerals took a new twist this month with Pathfinder’s hiring of another Frelimo big name as its local representative.
SEE: UK miner hires Mondlane Jr in dispute with Frelimo general
Elsewhere in the mining sector, a major new project in Tete opened for bidding. Today is deadline day for expressions of interest.
SEE: Bidding open to build new coal-fired power plant in Mozambique
Along with infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, tourism is one of President Nyusi’s government’s priority sectors to drag Mozambique out of the economic mire. We have a longer piece today on some of the challenges facing the sector – and measures being taken to overcome them.
SEE: Mozambique police promise better behaviour as tourism feels the pinch
Have a great day.
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