Guebuza lashes out at foreign critics

 

“We speak today of natural resources every­where which some say only enrich the few. Some say so out of a lack of information, but others do it out of malice,” said Armando Gue­buza.
His comments appeared in the state-run paper, Noticias yesterday.
The 69-year-old leader did not spell out whom he was accusing of being provocateurs but said, “there are countries that, because of this type of gossip, are pitting tribe against tribe, religion against religion.

“They are here to extract resources and then come here to say that the gap between rich and poor is widening.”
Guebuza’s unusually outspoken criticism comes as the country prepares to reap unprece­dented capital inflows from vast coal and natu­ral gas deposits.
Brazil, Australia, the United States, Britain and India all have significant interests in the hydrocarbons sector. Twenty years after the end of a devastating civil war, the southern African country is experiencing galloping eco­nomic growth of over seven percent, one of the highest rates in the world.

However, international organisations per­sistently draw attention to high levels of poverty and inequality.
In its assessment of Mozambique the World Bank says the country’s “impressive trajectory of growth has not been matched by a concomi­tant reduction in poverty . . .  prompting ques­tions about the need for greater inclusiveness.”

The United Nations ranked the country 184 out of 187 countries on its “Human Develop­ment Index” last year.
“Many people talk and we hear that wealth does not reach everyone. It’s true. But the prob­lem that arises is that wealth is built.

“The potential is there, but if we do nothing, if we do not work hard, houses, power and roads will not come,” said Guebuza.
Guebuza lashed out at critics for creating instability in his country.

The leader of the Renamo group of former rebels, Afonso Dhlakama is currently threaten­ing to return the country to war unless the gov­ernment agrees to negotiate over the distribu­tion of the country’s wealth.
“All of this creates conflicts amongst us. It is  a powerful weapon that aims to divide us               and make us fight amongst ourselves while they meet us in seven star hotels,” said Gue­buza. — AFP.