Persistent corruption an issue

The current President, Armando Guebuza, has been in power since 2005. He is also the leader of Frelimo, the party which has governed the country since its independence in 1975. Attacks by Renamo, the traditional opposition party, which opposed Frelimo during the civil war (until 1992), have become more frequent since 2012. Its resources remain relatively limited, but they are nevertheless able to affect the country’s economy (blocking of the only railway line allowing the transport of coal). Meanwhile, in the run-up to October 2104 elections, tensions between the two movements could be revived. Finally, there is uncertainty over the succession of Guebuza, who cannot, under the constitution, stand for a third term. He was, however, again chosen to head his party for five years in September 2013, suggesting that the constitution may be reformed to allow him to stand again in the next elections. Regarding governance, the business climate remains difficult. Mozambique is relatively less highly rated than its main neighbours (with the exception of Zimbabwe) according to the World Bank’s governance indicators. The country suffers from persistent corruption as well as from the mediocre performances of the public services and the judiciary.