The Portuguese government is studying ways to support Portuguese companies affected by the protests in Mozambique. The Secretary of State for the Communities met with businesspeople in Maputo to assess solutions.
The Portuguese government is studying mechanisms to support Portuguese-owned companies vandalised in the post-election protests in Mozambique, the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, José Cesário, said on Friday.
‘Unfortunately, [there are] some cases of people whose businesses have been assaulted, have been jeopardised, they need help and we are also attentive to these cases and we are trying to help here [Mozambique], in South Africa, in Brazil, in Angola,’ said the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, José Cesário, who is on an official visit to Maputo.
Since October, Mozambique has been experiencing a climate of strong social unrest, with demonstrations and stoppages called by Venâncio Mondlane, who rejects the election results of 9 October, which gave victory to Daniel Chapo and culminated in the vandalisation of infrastructure and public and private property.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with the Portuguese community in Mozambique, José Cesário said that since arriving in Maputo he has already met with at least five affected businesspeople, promising action to boost their businesses.
‘We’ve been analysing each situation, seeing if there are ways to help, because it’s not easy, we’re talking about Mozambican companies, although they are Portuguese-owned, but they are Mozambican companies. And they say that there may be more cases, and naturally our consulates will be attentive to the situation and will continue to inform about any cases that may arise and we will work to try to find solutions that can help those people,’ he said.
Currently, protests in Mozambique, now on a small scale, have been taking place in different parts of the country and, in addition to contesting the results, people are complaining about the rising cost of living and other social problems.
Since October, at least 353 people have died, including around two dozen minors, according to the Decide Platform.
The Mozambican government has confirmed at least 80 deaths, as well as the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health centres during the demonstrations.
Observador
