(Ecofin Agency) – Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi (pictured) gave his government a new face in the new reshuffle Thursday. According to a Presidency statement, the President dismissed six ministers “using the powers conferred on him by the constitution.” The officials targeted by the measure include Adriano Afonso Maleiane, Minister of Finance and Economy, Ernesto Max Elias Tonela, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as the Ministers of Industry, Public Works, Fisheries, and Veterans. Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario was also fired.
Although no official reason was given, it should be noted that this cabinet reshuffle comes at a tense political and security time for the southern African nation, which is currently facing a growing jihadist insurgency in the north region. The Mozambican state also continues to deal with a corruption scandal concerning a hidden debt of more than $2 billion. The so-called Tuna Bonds affair, which dates back to the time when Filipe Nyusi was Minister of Defense, has strongly tainted the image of the Mozambican authorities, who have been trying for several years to find a judicial as well as an economic solution.
For the time being, no name has been proposed to replace the now ex-Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario, nor to replace the dismissed ministers.
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