Mozambique 7 July: Grappling over Gorongosa
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In the news this week, a group of journalists has been to Gorongosa to check the facts on the ground - finding that, in essence, both sides in the government-Renamo disagreement are right. Eight positions have been vacated, but the soldiers have not left Gorongosa. Instead, they have been moved to other bases in the area, most notably Satungira.
SEE: Government forces still in control of Renamo’s historic Gorongosa base
The other biggest story in Mozambique - how to deal with the $2 billion in hidden, and possibly illegal, maritime security debts - also shows no sign of dying. This week, the Catholic Church lent its voice to a growing clamour from civil society to have the debts ruled unconstitutional.
SEE: Calls grow for Mozambique to rule debts unconstitutional
Grindrod Terminals yesterday inaugurated the expanded Matola Coal Terminal which, the company says, is now competitive with others in the region including Richards Bay, following dredging work carried out by the Maputo Port Development Company.
SEE: Matola ‘can compete with Richards Bay’ after coal terminal expansion
Mozambique’s Petroleum Law could be the target of yet more revisions if a long-standing plan to establish a new regulator for the sector finally comes to fruition - but that is a big ‘if’.
SEE: Mozambique could revise petroleum law as confusion shrouds new regulator
The energy and natural resources ministry does, however, want to see improved organisation in the informal mining sector to help the benefits of Mozambique’s mineral wealth be more broadly shared.
SEE: Mozambique Minister calls for better-organised artisanal mining
That call comes as a new study shows that Mozambique’s riches have probably been less evenly shared than previously thought.
FREE TO READ: Inequality in Mozambique probably worse than previously thought, study finds
Have a great weekend.