Death Toll Climbs in Mozambique Shipwreck

The death toll from a shipwreck that occurred on Sunday off the coast of Mozambique has risen to 94. The overloaded boat, which was not designed to carry passengers, was transporting families between Lunga and Ilha de Moçambique.

Three additional bodies were recovered early on Monday morning. Local authorities are still searching for survivors, but the exact number remains unclear.

"We know there were 130 people on board," said Silvério Nauaito, administrator of the Island of Mozambique. "Sadly, 94 have lost their lives. Around 11 are receiving treatment at medical facilities, and a small number, possibly 3, have been rescued."

Search efforts will continue throughout the day to determine the final number of missing individuals.

Source: Radio Mozambique 

Innocence Betrayed: A Teacher's Ordeal with False Allegations

In a shocking turn of events, an English teacher found himself ensnared in a web of false accusations within the halls of a prominent private school in Tete city, Mozambique, all orchestrated by a deceitful plot.

Formerly dedicated to educating young minds, the teacher became the target of slanderous claims concocted by Manuel Júlio Sambo, a lawyer with whom he had crossed paths due to teaching Sambo's daughter the previous year. Sambo's accusations, alleging sexual misconduct involving minors at the school, set off a distressing chain of events.

The malicious scheme unfolded through a WhatsApp group associated with a criminal entity known as "Os Poderosos." Fabricated testimonies, purportedly from a medical professional, circulated, accusing the teacher of heinous acts against young girls within the school premises.

Disturbingly, members of the judiciary, including Eusébio Capitere Ferro and Eduardo Mondlane Cachave, were implicated in this sinister ploy, aiming to extort funds from the targeted educational institution.

Sambo's ties to "Os Poderosos" and his spouse's affiliation with the local judiciary further underscored the depth of corruption involved. His public Facebook page, ironically named "Puxa-saco," served as a platform for orchestrating these nefarious schemes under the guise of mutual support.

Illustrating his motives with ominous imagery, Sambo's utilization of a disturbing artwork as the page's cover hinted at his exploitation of children for extortion purposes within Mozambican schools.

Moreover, Sambo's online proclamations, including claims of possessing incriminating videos and advocating for anonymous reporting of abuse, revealed a pattern of manipulation and opportunism.

In a bid to enrich himself, Sambo and his criminal associates singled out Raimosse Josse, a Zimbabwean-born teacher, as their next target for facilitating their extortion purposes. They wanted money from the school.

The victim, haunted by false accusations, described the ordeal as traumatic. Despite his innocence, he faced unjust repercussions, including being reassigned within the school and eventually terminated from his position under dubious circumstances.

The blatant disregard for justice and human rights displayed by those involved, including complicit officials within the judiciary, highlights the pervasive corruption plaguing Mozambique.

In his quest for justice, the victim seeks to expose the malevolent forces at play, calling for accountability from the highest echelons of power. The public outcry against such criminal enterprises serves as a beacon of hope for those unjustly targeted.

Manuel Júlio Sambo's exploitation of vulnerable individuals and institutions for personal gain epitomizes the depths of moral depravity lurking within society. It is imperative to shine a light on such injustices and stand united against the tyranny of corruption.

8 perish from lightning, drowning in Niassa

This rainy season in Niassa, at least 8 people to date have lost their lives in part to due to lightning strikes ,and drowning .

The fatalities took place in the course of the victims  crossing rivers or sheltering under trees in the Mandimba, Marrupa, Mavago and Mecula districts.

Maria Isabel Cavo,delegate of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction in Niassa, made this data public during an interview by Rádio Moçambique.

Given the situation and with the approach of tropical storm GAMANE, authorities is advising the people to remove goods from riverbanks ,  in the districts of Majune, Muembe, Sanga and Lago, where the Gamane is expected to strike with great  intensity.

The delegate of the National Institute of Meteorology, in Niassa, Tomás Inácio, advices the population to take precautionary and safety measures in the the face of of lightning strikes this is in direct contrast with what the local people believe in: that a person can be struck by lightning when dressed in red, or, as a consequence of the lightning being a product of bewitchment ( by a person).

Tete: More boreholes and Water systems construction gains momentum

The ongoing construction and rehabilitation of more boreholes and other water supply systems will see at least one hundred and eight thousand people have access to clean drinking water this year in Tete province's communities in almost all districts of Tete province.Concurrently, the rehabilitation of one hundred and thirty-five damaged water holes in the various communities is underway.

The govt and partners are investing just over one hundred and nine million meticais, according to Carlos Cabo ,the head of the Water and Sanitation department at the provincial Directorate of Public Works in Tete 

Cabo also asserted that construction work on seven water supply systems is being completed in six districts of this part of the nation.

This new addition the number of water sources sees the coverage rate in Tete province go from 52, 96 percent, to 56 percent. 

Maputo March 27: Bank of Mozambique reduces the monetary interest rate from 16.50 to 15.75 percent.

COMMUNIQUÉ No. 2/2024
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE

The Banco de Moçambique Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to reduce the monetary policy rate, MIMO, from 16.50% to 15.75%. 

This decision is underpinned by the 
consolidation of prospects of single-digit inflation over the medium term, in a context where the assessment of the risks and uncertainties associated with inflation projections remain favorable.

Prospects of single-digit inflation remain unchanged over the medium term. 

In February 2024, annual inflation stood at 4.0%, foowing 4.2% in January. 
Core inflation, which excludes fruits and vegetables and administered prices also eased.

 Prospects for single-digit inflation 
remain unchanged in the medium term, mainly reflecting the stabiity of the Metical and the impact of the measures taken by the MPC.  

For the medium term, excluding liqufied natural gas (LNG), the prospects are for 
moderate economic growth.

 In the fourth quarter of 2023, gross domestic product (GDP) excluding LNG is estimated to have grown by 3.6%, following 3.3% in the previous quarter. 
Including LNG, GDP growth accelerated to 5.4%. in the medium term, excluding LNG production, economic activity is expected to continue to recover, despite uncertainties associated with the impact of climate shocks on agricultural production and various infrastructure.

Pressure on domestic public debt remains high. Domestic public debt, excluding loan and lease agreements and overdue liabilities, stands at 344.0 billion meticais, a 31.7 biion increase 
compared to December 2023.

The assessment of the risks and uncertainties associated with inflation projections remains favorable. 
Possibe factors restraining inflation in the medium term incude the fiscal consolidation efforts and a milder impact of geopolitical conflicts on the logistics supply chain and on commodity prices in the global market.

The MPC will continue with the process of normalizing the MIMO rate in the medium term. 

The pace and magnitude wil continue to depend on inflation prospects, as well as the assessment of the risks and uncertainties associated with medium term projections.

The next regular MPC meeting is scheduled for May 29, 2024

COMMUNIQUÉ No. 2/2024
Maputo, March 27, 2024
Policy rate reduced to 15.75%

Rogério Lucas Zandamela 
Governor

Source Banco de Moçambique.

Two teachers indicted for rape in Inhambane

In the coming days, two educators in Inhambane are scheduled to appear in court on charges of sexual harassment and student rape.

These are teachers from Jangamo's Basica de Macanda and Setembro 25 de Homoíne, two secondary schools.

The ages of the victims are 16 and 13, respectively.

Homoíne's student was invited by the teacher to a meeting allegedly to discuss teaching and learning issues, but when he arrived at the scene, the accused took the minor to a tourist complex where she had sexual relations with the child.

In Jangamo's case, the teacher called his student to wash dishes at his house, and then dragged her to his room, where he satisfied her sexual appetite.
The Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Inhambane spokeswoman, Juliana Boa, expressed assurance that the office will continue with investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the province's schools. 

Inhambane's "the dance of polygamy" is revived by Casimiro Nhussi

The ballet "Polygamy Dance" will premiere on April 19th, at 5 p.m., at the Eduardo Mondlane Industrial and Commercial Institute in Inhambane. The concert, created by VINA Produções, is part of the celebrations of World Dance Day, held yearly on April 29th.

Casimiro Nhussi wrote and artistically directed "The Dance of Polygamy," which premiered in Maputo in 2023, with the goal of exploring the variety of performing arts in theatre, poetry, music, and, most importantly, dance.
"The Dance of Polygamy" offers a discourse on a cultural phenomena of African descent that endures in modern society through the body, representation, and orality.

The ballet will be performed on a gala evening that aims to unite the artists' thoughts and viewpoints on polygamy on stage, both historically and contemporary.

According to Casimiro Nhussi, “The Dance of Polygamy is a rain of melodic movements, of deep feelings that carry the strange emotions of husbands and wives. The Dance of Polygamy is a song and is a love poem trapped in the web of emotions of a human being. It sings the religious and cultural songs of the traditions of a people, it can be danced emotionally or intellectually.”

The ballet also seeks to influence an understanding of the impacts of Polygamy on the promotion of fundamental human rights, look at possible conflicts between tradition, law and gender, as well as reflect on the place of tradition in current society in Mozambique.

The Dance of Polygamy is a shower of beautiful motions and intense emotions that convey the peculiar experiences that spouses and partners experience, according to Casimiro Nhussi. A song and love poetry enmeshed in a person's emotional web is called "The Dance of Polygamy." It can be danced emotionally or intellectually and sings the religious and cultural songs of a people's traditions.

In addition, the ballet aims to examine potential tensions between tradition, law, and gender as well as the role that tradition plays in Mozambique's contemporary society. It also aims to promote awareness of the effects of polygamy on the advancement of fundamental human rights.

Flooding in Matola

Families in various neighbourhoods of Matola, the province of Maputo, leave their homes and spend the night outside.

The Fomento neighborhood's drainage ditch, which gathers rainfall from nearby neighbourhoods, overflowed and filled with debris, making life unbearable for the locals.

Warning: Rainfall in the country's southern area is expected to continue.

A cold frontal system that passes over the country's southern region is expected to bring on more rain, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM).

Forecasts indicate that rain will continue for the next 12 to 24 hours, according to meteorologist Telmo Sumila.

Nevertheless beginning from Tuesday, the southern part of the nation should have better weather, according to INAM.

The province and city of Maputo have seen rainfall totaling about 150 millimetres in the past 24 hours, which is regarded as a significant quantity given the soil's absorption capabilities in this region of the nation.

Heavy rains wreak havoc to Matola and Maputo

Several neighborhoods in the cities of Maputo and Matola are flooded, due to the torrential rain that has fallen since dawn today in these two urban centers.

It is a situation that affects thousands of families, some of which are hit by floods for the second time, due to the recent passage of severe tropical storm Filipo.

The technician from the National Directorate of Water Resources Management, Isac Filimone, says that the situation results from the high housing density, combined with the deficient drainage system in the cities of Maputo and Matola.

The technician from the National Directorate of Water Resources Management recommends taking precautionary measures due to strong water currents in drainage systems as well as rivers in the southern region of the country.

The technician from the National Institute of Meteorology says that the heavy rainfall recorded follows the passage of a cold frontal system that crosses the southern region of the country.

Forecasts, according to Telmo Sumila, point to more rain falling over the next 12 to 24 hours. 

Inam says that conditions in the country's south will improve starting on Tuesday. Over the past 24 hours, Maputo's city and province have seen about 150 millimetres of rain, which is a lot of rain for the soil in this area. Severe Tropical Storm Filipo recently passed through the country's centre and south, resulting in 20 fatalities. According to preliminary data, the storm also injured over 50,000 people.

In addition, 149 dwellings were totally demolished, 2700 partially damaged, and another 6800 homes were flooded as a result of the poor weather.

Along with impacting an area of 26,000 hectares of various crops, the storm also had an impact on 73 health facilities and 271 schools.

Rain brings suffering and devastation to Gaza's city of Xai-Xai.

Hundreds of families in Xai-Xai, Gaza, are without shelter due to flooding resulting from torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms since Saturday's late afternoon. However, several access roads are inaccessible due to the flow of rainwater.

According to Rogerio Manjate, multiple teams from the municipality of Xai-Xai are on the ground assessing the damage caused by the ongoing heavy rain.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services in Gaza point out that the rain scenario impacting the coastal area of the districts of Xai-Xai and Limpopo was previously predicted, and they propose preventative measures because it could continue to rain until Monday.

Mozambique: A conjunctivitis outbreak is impacting businesses' production.

Agostinho Vuma, head of Mozambique's Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA), said on Friday in Maputo that the conjunctivitis outbreak in numerous regions of the country is harming business productivity.

"The epidemic of conjunctivitis is harming labour productivity. Companies have started laying off affected employees who have been at home for more than 15 days, impacting corporate performance," Vuma said during the Labour Consultative Commission's first ordinary plenary session, which also includes the government.

According to recent reports from the ministry of health, there are now almost 17,000 Mozambicans afflicted with the adenovirus that causes hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, mostly in the provinces of Nampula and Sofala.

"As a part of society, businesses have an obligation to care for the families who ensure that there will be a market for the goods they create in addition to the workers, who are their most valuable resource. In keeping with this, we would like to express our solidarity with the public being affected by hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and urge everyone to come together and follow the health authorities' guidelines to prevent the disease from spreading and to safeguard everyone's health," Vuma appealed.

On March 11th, according to the official to recent ministry of health data, about 17,000 Mozambicans have been infected with the adenovirus that causes hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, with the majority living in the provinces of Nampula and Sofala.

Conjunctivitis was reported in at least seven Mozambican provinces, with Nampula in northern Mozambique accounting for the majority of occurrences. Meanwhile, on 19 March, the Beira Central Hospital in Sofala province, the country's largest health unit, had seen 2,800 instances of conjunctivitis. Agostinho Vuma also cautioned of Mozambique's "two-speed" economic growth, with positive performance focused in the extractive industry, which is "less than optimal considering the lost value to the economy due to the successive difficulties that have afflicted the business sector".

Many companies have declared bankruptcy as a result of their financial challenges. In this context, it's worth noting that Mozambique's Tax Authority announced a few days ago that 3,000 enterprises had been declared insolvent, with severe consequences for employability, income creation, and the state's ability to collect money," stated the CTA president.

In the same speech, Vuma requested that the draft bill on private security, which "the private sector has been advocating for nearly ten years," be discussed before the Labour Consultative Commission "later this year."

"Unfortunately, insecure job connections have been a defining feature of this industry, which boasts one of the highest employment rates. We think that this situation of insecure work relations might greatly improve with the passage of the law," he stated.

Additionally, he stated that it is important to "emphasise the merits of the document and the benefits" that it "can bring to the fluidity of urban transport" within the "framework of the proposal for the staggering of service timetables," which has been put up by the ministry of transport and communications.

But in order for it to become a reality, the proposer needs to make sure that it complies with the recommendations made by this body's expert technical subcommittees, particularly with reference to the Labour Law.

President Nyusi: Cabo Delgado's future is not sealed with the withdrawal of SADaC forces

The Republic's president, Filipe Nyusi, has stated that the struggle against terrorism in Cabo Delgado will continue despite the departure of SADC forces from the Northern Operational Theatre on July 15.

During his participation in the extraordinary summit of the troika of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the body for cooperation in the areas of politics, defence, and security, Filipe Nyusi drew attention to certain countries' expressed interest in forging bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
"Everything points to July 15th as a possible withdrawal date." In the meantime, we as a nation will continue to scale up our military efforts, and other countries have offered to collaborate with us on a bilateral basis."

The Mozambican politician emphasised that SADC, as a local alliance, is committed to assisting the country during times of need. 

Mozambique: US intends to support Cabo Delgado with extra $22 million

The US Government intends to make available US$22 million (€20.3 million) in new funds this year to support “stabilisation efforts” in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, the US Embassy in Maputo said .

In a statement on the conclusion of a visit from March 17 to 21 to Mozambique by the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne A. Witkowsky, notes that the provision of these funds still depends on approval in Congress.

“With this investment, the United States will have dedicated nearly $100 million in stability-focused assistance to northern Mozambique since 2022. This funding builds upon the broader development and humanitarian assistance provided by the United States throughout the country,” the statement reads.

“Mozambique’s progress toward sustainable peace is essential for the economic prosperity of all Mozambicans and for the security of the region,” said Deputy Secretary Witkowsky, quoted in the same statement.

“The United States is committed to supporting Mozambican partners to advance an integrated effort for peace and stability across Cabo Delgado and surrounding provinces – emphasizing civilian protection, access to justice, inclusive economic development, and transparent, democratic governance,” she added.

During her visit to Mozambique, the Assistant Secretary met with the Minister of Justice, Helena Kida, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel José Gonçalves, civil society leaders, journalists, representatives of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and other diplomatic partners “working for peace in northern Mozambique”.

The United States says that, in collaboration with local partners, it is mobilising diplomatic support, development assistance, and security sector engagement “to prevent violence, promote stability, and build resilience through locally led solutions in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces”.

It adds that ongoing U.S. programs are providing training for local government officials to deliver services, supporting community radio, promoting social cohesion through peace clubs, sports, and the arts, and increasing educational and employment opportunities for youth, including through construction of the new secondary school in Pemba, capital of Cabo Delgado province.

The province of Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed insurgency for six years, with some attacks claimed by the extremist Islamic State group. After a period of relative calm in 2023, these attacks have multiplied this year, displacing around 100,000 people in February alone, and leaving a trail of destruction, death and scattered families.

Gaza: Road accident claims two lives, sixteen injuries.

Gaza province.

Three fatalities and sixteen grave and minor injuries resulted from a road accident Friday morning, in the administrative post of Chidenguele, Mandlakazi district as a consequence of the he head on collision ,of two semi-collective passenger transport vehicles, which were traveling in the south-north direction and vice versa, on National Road number 1 (EN1).

The traffic police officer who went to the scene of the accident, cited overspeeding and fatigue on the part of the driver who was traveling Gaza-Inhambane, as the principal causes of this road accident which also resulted in damage to both vehicles.

 The injured were taken to the Chidenguele Health Center and Quissico District Hospital, in the Zavala district, Inhambane, where they are getting treatment. 

Mozambique: More than 3.3 million face famine.

Owing to drought and floods,  nearly 3.3 million people face food insecurity in Mozambique, according to Leonor Mondlane, the executive secretary of the Technical Secretariat for Food and Nutritional Security (SETSAN), .

 "Right now, we have a post-shock study from 2023, which estimated that around 2.3 million people are food insecure and projected, by March, 3.3 million", stated Mondlane, regarding the total number of the population currently in this situation.

Leonor Mondlane was giving a press briefing to  journalists, on the sidelines of the food systems panel, an online platform that c

puts toger data from various institutions on food production, transport and consumption.

 Leonor Mondlane said that a new assessment will be carried out in April to determine the situation on food and nutritional security in the country, taking into account that it is "an ever changing process".

 "We will update these indicators, now, in April, but the projection until March is of 3.3 million people in a situation of food and nutritional insecurity resulting from floods, droughts, among others", emphasized the executive secretary of SETSAN.

 Leonor Mondlane stated that the aforementioned group of people experiencing food insecurity relies on aid from the Government and national and international partners.

Leonor Mondlane added that the people in need include victims of terrorr attacks in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado  and Nampula provinces.

 Mondlane stated that more than 300 schools across Mozamby are covered by a school lunch distribution program to feed students affected by hunger in educational establishments.

 Regarding the food systems panel launched today in the capital, the executive secretary of SETSAN stated that it is useful instrument for harmonizing information on food insecurity and malnutrition in the country, maintaining that the available data is dispersed and fragmented.

Mondlane declared that  "the objective is to put together data  so that the didactic role of informing and harmonizing the understanding of preventing and combating food insecurity and chronic malnutrition in the country can be fulfilled"

 According to Mondlane the tool will help state institutions and other users in formulating policies and strategies. 

The Moza Eye.

Mozambique attack survivors file complain against energy giant Total Energies

 

Survivors and relatives of victims of a 2021 insurgent attack in Mozambique have filed a complaint against Total Energies TTEF.PA for negligence and indirect manslaughter, saying the company had failed to ensure the safety of subcontractors.

Total Energies rejected the allegations, saying they were “inaccurate.”

Islamist insurgents attacked the port city of Palma in March 2021, killing many civilians in areas close to Mozambique LNG infrastructure projects, owned in part by Total Energies.

The plaintiffs – including three survivors and four relatives of victims who died in an ambush – allege that Total Energies failed to inform subcontractors of the risks of possible attacks or of the progress of such attacks, and did not have proper safety or evacuation plans in place.

The complaint alleges that a private security company’s helicopter rescuing people who had taken refuge in a hotel was stopped due to a lack of fuel, and that Total Energies had refused a request for fuel on the grounds of not wanting to be associated with a private security company.

Some subcontractors tried to escape from the hotel with a convoy of vehicles, which was then ambushed, leaving several dead, the plaintiffs said.

“It’s quite rare to presume that a company could be indicted and prosecuted for indirect manslaughter … But here you have a series of negligences that contributed to a situation that allowed the loss of many lives,” said Henri Thulliez, a lawyer who represents the plaintiffs.

“It is not alleged that Total Energies directly caused the deaths of victims but that the company did not act in accordance with the expected diligence standards of a professional in its responsibilities,” lawyers for the plaintiffs said in a statement.

Total Energies denied the allegations, saying it did have a security plan and had carried it out.

“During the attack on the city of Palma, and according to the information we have, all Mozambique LNG personnel and their contractors and subcontractors were evacuated,” TotalEnergies said.

The company said the Mozambique LNG group’s security plan was for the subcontractors to shelter in place and be evacuated by ferry.

Total Energies said the security situation had improved in the region, where it plans to restart the project before the end of the year.

Source: Reuters

Four suspects apprehended by SERNIC for their involvement in the kidnapping of a businessman in Maputo

This Monday in Maputo, the Criminal Investigation Service announced the arrest of four suspects in the kidnapping on September 27. 

A businessman who was at his location in the heart of the city is the victim of the kidnapping. 

SERNIC additionally aims to free the victim from captivity and establish the truth about the incident.

Notwithstanding a fourth consecutive month of declining inflation, prices remain unchanged in Mozambique, as reported by A Verdade

Passenger rail service between Mozambique and the Kingdom of Esvathine to resume

This Saturday, passenger rail service between Mozambique and the Kingdom of Esvathine will resume.

This occurs two decades after the two countries' services were terminated.

The first locomotive to transport passengers to the Kingdom of Esvathine will leave Maputo Central Station at 06:00 on the 19th, bound for the Matsapa region, about seven kilometers from Mazzimi, the neighboring country's second largest city.

The President of the Association of Micro-importers of Mozambique, Sudecar Novela, points out that this development will cut costs in commercial mobility.

With the passenger transport train running between Mozambique and the Kingdom of Esvathine, the two countries' commercial ties will be strengthened once more.

The trip will take five to six hours and will cost 1250 meticais.

Commercial operators welcome the resumption of passenger rail transport between Mozambique and the Kingdom of Esvathine.