Mozambique 26 August: Still up in the air
Good afternoon. Fighting seems set to continue in central Mozambique for at least another two weeks after Renamo and the government failed to reach agreement on a ceasefire proposal submitted by the international mediators this week. Talks will only resume on Monday, 12 September, following an 18-day break.
SEE: Cease-fire remains elusive for Mozambique mediators
SEE: Mozambique mediators publish failed ceasefire proposal
Tourism has been one of the industries hardest-hit by the conflict, especially in the town of Vilankulo where overland travellers from Zimbabwe and South Africa have been discouraged by reports of attacks on central Mozambique’s principal highways. The other way of getting there is by air - and Mozambique’s civil aviation authority today confirmed to Zitamar News that Vilankulo and other airports remain open to international traffic, despite recent reports to the contrary:
FREE TO READ: Mozambique international airport closures still up in the air
The fighting, combined with the effects of the drought, mean there are more than 2,000 people at temporary accommodation camps in central Mozambique. The UN’s latest situation report says that almost 1.5 million people could be reached over the next few months - but there is still not enough money to see them through to the next harvest.
SEE: More food aid to reach drought-hit Mozambicans, but funding gap remains
The largest shareholder in the Mozal aluminium smelter near Maputo released its annual results this week, showing that Mozal made no profit over the last 12 months.
SEE: Mozal profit falls to zero despite record production in 2015-2016
Difficult times in Mozambique have not stopped all foreign investment, however. Today Zitamar revealed that German cement giant Heidelberg has bought a plant in the country, for $10 million.
SEE: Heidelberg Cement buys Mozambique plant for $10 million
Tragedy struck at Vale’s coal mine in Moatize, Tete, where a young boy was killed after making his way onto the mine area. Vale has yet to make a statement on the incident that happened on Wednesday morning.
SEE: Child killed in accident at Vale’s Mozambique mine
In Nampula province, locals reportedly waived their opposition to heavy sands miner Kenmare digging up a mountain of local spiritual significance.
SEE: Kenmare wins permission to mine Mozambique ‘holy mountain’
Have a great weekend.