Mozambique 4 July 2017: Claims and counter-claims in Gorongosa
Good afternoon. The Mozambique government is once again at loggerheads with Renamo, this time over whether or not it has fulfilled its part of a verbal bargain between President Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama over the withdrawal of troops from Gorongosa. The two sides appear to disagree both over what exactly it is the government had committed to, and what the reality is on the ground.
SEE: Renamo counters Mozambique government claims on Gorongosa withdrawal
Stability is essential for the growth of the economy in central Mozambique. Tea production in Zambezia is well down on previous years and now the sector is warning that it could disappear entirely if the government doesn’t come to its aid.
SEE: Mozambique tea industry in peril, producers warn
Forestry remains a profitable industry in Mozambique, and a growing player - Obtala - has bought another company, operating in West Africa, to add trading expertise to its offering.
SEE: Mozambique focused forestry group buys timber producer
The fallout from the Kroll report continues, with the Ministry of Defence confirming for Zitamar News that the sailors trained by ProIndicus will stay in the navy. However, questions remain over the ultimate ownership of the ships.
SEE: ProIndicus fleet faces uncertain future in Mozambique navy
Norway’s Yara agreed to pay a $1 million deposit this week to be able to proceed with its fertilizer project, which depends on the start of gas production from Anadarko’s Area 1 in the Rovuma Basin.
SEE: Mozambique signs agreement with Yara for 1.2 mtpa fertiliser plant
And finally, if Donald Trump gets his budget through Congress it could have severe consequences for aid to Mozambique - dodgy debts and independent audits notwithstanding.
SEE: Mozambique’s US aid uncertain as Tillerson defends cuts
Have a great week.