Nacala Port Concession: "An aberration," declares former mayor
Raul Novinte, former mayor of Nacala Porto, has sharply criticized the recent concession of part of Nacala Port, one of the busiest in northern Mozambique, claiming that the decision serves only personal interests.
Novinte, who led the Nacala Porto municipality for five years, questioned the motives behind the concession, describing it as an aberration that does not benefit the local population.
In an exclusive interview with TORRE.News, Novinte expressed his bewilderment at the decision, emphasizing that, in his view, President Filipe Nyusi appears to be using the concession to maintain control over the port even after leaving office.
"I think he is maneuvering to stay very close to the port even after stepping down from the presidency," Novinte said, suggesting that Nyusi might be securing a "share" of the profits from port operations.
Novinte also recalled Nyusi's past as the former director of Nacala Port, raising suspicions about the continuity of his influence over the port's management after his presidential term ends.
"We must not forget that the current President of the Republic was once the port's director," the former mayor reiterated, adding an appeal to the current and future presidents not to hand over part of Nacala Port's management to another country.
The controversy over the concession intensified following an announcement made during a working visit by the Malawian President to Mozambique.
At the time, Nyusi declared his intention to grant part of the port to Malawi, so the country could use a specific terminal for goods destined for its territory. "The process is finalized in both countries, in terms of concession paperwork. This will help," Nyusi justified at the time.
However, Raul Novinte highlighted that, so far, the people of Nacala have not received any significant direct benefits from the port. According to him, the port infrastructure pays only a symbolic fee, no different from the taxes paid by other companies, leaving the local population almost entirely excluded from the economic gains the port could provide.
Novinte's criticisms reflect growing dissatisfaction with how Mozambique's strategic resources and infrastructures are being managed, particularly regarding transparency and the real impact on local communities.
