The Portuguese Ambassador to Mozambique, Jorge Monteiro, stated that Portuguese companies have already recovered from the crisis and vandalism that occurred during the post-election protests a year ago. The diplomat emphasized that Portugal is following Mozambique’s new political cycle with optimism and hopes to see “concrete proposals” emerge from the ongoing Inclusive National Dialogue to promote reforms.
“We have reports of companies that were vandalized, but I believe that, in general, that chapter has now been turned. The companies have managed to recover, resume their activities, and are now looking toward the future,” said Jorge Monteiro in an interview with Lusa. The ambassador added that Portugal views “the future with great anticipation and hope because it believes in Mozambique.”
In March, the Portuguese Government announced that it was studying support mechanisms for Portuguese-owned companies that were vandalized during the protests. The decision came after the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, José Cesário, met in Maputo with at least five business owners whose properties had been destroyed during the demonstrations. The diplomat, who officially took office in September, acknowledged that Mozambique went through a “very difficult period” after the October 2024 elections, which also affected the international community living in the country, including Portuguese citizens. Even so, he said he views the current political moment with “hope” and confidence in the reforms announced by the Government.
“We highly commend and closely follow the reformist spirit that this Government has been demonstrating,” declared Jorge Monteiro, adding that these reforms “are necessary and could help bring new economic dynamism, creating jobs and opportunities for young people.” In December, the private sector estimated that more than 500 companies were vandalized during the protests called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in the loss of about 12,000 jobs. The Portuguese ambassador reaffirmed Portugal’s continued support for the political dialogue underway in Mozambique, aimed at implementing reforms through a nationwide consultation process.
Jorge Monteiro stated that this is the right path to “prevent situations like those that followed the elections from happening again.” “The process is ongoing, and we are following it closely. Portugal, the European Union, and the international community as a whole are carefully monitoring its progress,” the diplomat emphasized, noting that “it is still in the dialogue and consultation phase.”
“I believe the time will come when conclusions will be presented, and I am certain that Mozambicans expect this process to be carried out with ambition,” stressed the Portuguese ambassador. He added that it is crucial for the process to result in “concrete proposals capable of introducing the reforms the country needs to face future challenges with greater strength, inclusion, and confidence.”
Source: Diário Económico
