The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) has submitted a formal complaint to the Administrative Court (TA) requesting a forensic audit of the process of acquiring two Embraer-190 aircraft by Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), alleging signs of mismanagement of public funds and possible losses to the State, the Mozambique News Agency reported on Tuesday, June 2.
According to the organization, the civil society group is questioning the fact that the two aircraft have remained in South Africa for several months after their purchase, as part of the restructuring process of the state-owned airline. Each aircraft cost around 12.5 million US dollars but has not yet been used on commercial routes, while the company continues to lease aircraft to ensure its flight operations.
Speaking to journalists in Maputo after submitting the complaint to the Administrative Court, CDD president Adriano Nuvunga considered it unacceptable that the country continues to bear additional costs despite the investment made. “Six months have passed since December and the aircraft are still not flying. Mozambique continues to spend money on leasing aircraft, despite already having invested public funds in purchasing these planes. It seems we are importing underdevelopment,” he said.
The leader also revealed that the CDD contacted the entity that sold the aircraft and concluded that the planes do not have the necessary technical certifications to operate commercially in Mozambique. “The explanation that the aircraft have been undergoing painting for six months does not correspond to reality. In the international aviation market, an aircraft normally enters into operation a few days after its sale,” he stated.
According to Nuvunga, there are strong indications of mismanagement of public resources, which is why the organization is calling for an independent investigation to establish responsibilities. “There are signs of possible mismanagement of state funds and we believe that a forensic audit is necessary to clarify the entire acquisition process and determine possible responsibilities,” he declared.
CDD also criticized the Administrative Court for the delay in reviewing complaints submitted by civil society, arguing for urgent intervention before the airline’s annual accounts are closed. “The aim is to stop mismanagement before the damage worsens and ensure accountability of the managers involved,” he added.
The controversy comes at a time when LAM continues to face a deep financial crisis. Over the past decade, the company has accumulated debts exceeding 230 million US dollars, linked to alleged corruption schemes and inefficient management. In 2024, the company was managed by South Africa’s Fly Modern Ark, hired to recover the airline, but without satisfactory results.
Currently, LAM’s management is in the hands of three Mozambican public companies: Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), and Empresa Moçambicana de Seguros (EMOSE), which are leading the restructuring process of the national airline.
