Mozambique 28 Oct: Fighting on two fronts
Good afternoon. The group of international mediators in Mozambique’s peace talks will head home tonight after what has been a particularly difficult round of peace talks in Maputo.
SEE: Mozambique mediators set homework for two-week adjournment
The killing of Jeremias Pondeca mid-way through the month was a blow, but both sides said they remain committed to a peaceful solution. Last weekend’s aborted attempt by two of the mediators to visit Afonso Dhlakama - the details of which are still contested - damaged progress still further. Mario Raffaelli, the chair of the mediators, confirmed this afternoon that the trip did take place - but denied that he and Jonathan Powell escaped an attack by government forces, as had been claimed in some quarters.
SEE: Mozambique peace talks continue after mediators’ aborted trip to Gorongosa
Also next month, the long-awaited independent audit into Mozambique’s dodgy debts should begin. There has inevitably been some haggling over the terms of reference for the audit, which will be carried out by an international firm which has yet to be selected, and is a precondition for the IMF to re-start lending.
SEE: Tender to launch in November for Mozambique international debt audit
Finance minister Adriano Maleiane is on the bill for next week’s Mozambique Summit, being organised by the Financial Times in Maputo. President Nyusi is also due to speak, as well as other key ministers and the IMF’s resident representative. The Mozambique government has pretty bad form when it comes to turning up to these events but given the country’s need to impress international investors right now, there is reason to think they might show up this time. As media partners on the event, Zitamar readers can get a 25% discount on the door by quoting the reference: ZITAMAR25.
After months if not years of heavy losses, Vale finally looks set to turn a profit at its coal mines in Tete after cutting costs, expanding its operations, and benefiting from a spike in global coal prices.
SEE: Vale Mozambique heads for profit as costs fall and prices rise
Improving global market dynamics mean mining in Mozambique is becoming a better prospect - but the government’s financial crisis means it has had to turn down the opportunity to buy into Kenmare’s heavy sand mine in Nampula province - at least for now.
SEE: Mozambique state mining co to seek stake in Kenmare mine when crisis passes
Mozambique is not the only country in the region to be in dire financial difficulties - with Zimbabwe racking up debts to South Africa and Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa who provide the country with electricity.
SEE: Zimbabwe ‘optimistic’ of clearing Mozambique electricity debt
Have a great weekend.
RECENT POSTS
Tender to launch in November for Mozambique international debt audit
Mozambique state mining co to seek stake in Kenmare mine when crisis passes
Mozambique peace talks continue after mediators’ aborted trip to Gorongosa
Vale Mozambique heads for profit as costs fall and prices rise
