The Frelimo Central Committee is set to meet, and discussions are forming around the presidential candidate for Mozambique's general elections on October 9. Samora Machel Júnior has announced his candidacy, and the Organização da Mulher Moçambicana (OMM) has outlined the desired profile for the next leader. However, the topic is not officially on the meeting's agenda. Isaura Nyusi, president of the OMM, emphasized the importance of knowing the candidate's background. The party's spokesperson, Ludmila Magune, indicated that no official candidates have been announced yet.

Following the parliamentary ratification of the extradition agreement between Mozambique and Rwanda, Renamo, the largest opposition party, announces its intention to take legal action to revoke the agreement. Renamo's spokesperson, Arnaldo Chalaua, plans to submit a request for the declaration of unconstitutionality to the Constitutional Council and to hold a referendum. Adriano Nuvunga, president of the Human Rights Defenders Network in Mozambique, expresses concern for Rwandans in Mozambique, fearing mass extraditions of those who sought refuge from the Rwandan justice system. Prior to the agreement's ratification, Justice Minister Helena Kida assured that Mozambique does not advocate political persecution and that any extradition request would be rigorously scrutinized.

Despite Frelimo's declared historic electoral victory in the local elections of October 11, the ruling party in Mozambique continues to show signs of division. Prominent figures such as Graça Machel, Samora Machel Júnior, Teodato Hunguana, and Eduardo Nihia have broken their silence and issued unprecedented criticism of the controversial electoral victory. Political commentator José Tomo sees these criticisms as a sign of internal exorcism that should lead to a change in posture, starting with the electoral results. Former Frelimo deputy Amade Camal speaks of a long-standing problem of intolerance to criticism within the party. Historian and political commentator Egídio Vaz defends the current leadership and criticizes the public nature of the internal disputes.

Mozambique's Attorney General, Beatriz Buchili, expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in the trial of former Finance Minister Manuel Chang, who has been detained in the U.S. for over five years on financial crime charges. Buchili criticized the American justice system for hindering the case's progress in Mozambique and violating human rights. Analysts Borges Nhamirre and Albino Forquilha dismissed Buchili's complaints, suggesting they were attempts to divert attention from the core issues. The report also addressed corruption, money laundering, terrorism in Cabo Delgado, and kidnapping, highlighting challenges in judicial cooperation with South Africa. Political parties in Mozambique's parliament were divided in their assessment of Buchili's report, with Renamo criticizing it and Frelimo acknowledging ongoing efforts despite challenges.

International relations and diplomacy experts commend Mozambique's first year in the UN Security Council, highlighting its positive representation of Africa. However, they stress the need for better alignment with the African Union on global issues and a different internal political stance to further improve its international image. Despite notable achievements, such as presiding over the Security Council in March, internal political conflicts and perceived institutional dependencies have slightly tarnished Mozambique's image. With a year left in its mandate, Mozambique faces challenges like the Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and increasing coups in Africa, necessitating stronger ties with the African Union for a unified stance at the UN.

The ongoing doctors' strike in Maputo has led to tragic outcomes and heightened public debate about the conflict between the right to strike and the right to health. The government and medical professionals are at an impasse, with the government prioritizing the right to life over the right to strike. The Order of Lawyers of Mozambique has criticized the government's threats and offered to mediate the conflict. The situation remains unresolved, with public sentiment expecting worsening conditions.

Caifadine Manasse, former spokesperson for the Frelimo party, was heard by the Public Prosecutor's Office in a case against former comrades, involving 23 deputies from the Zambézia electoral district. The conflict, which began three months ago, arose from allegations of a Frelimo parliamentarian leading a drug cartel in Zambézia. Manasse, after a 10-hour hearing, sought justice to restore his reputation, claiming the case would not impact the electoral process. His lawyer, human rights activist Custódio Duma, submitted an additional list of alleged accomplices. Political analyst Albino Forquilha noted the case's uniqueness within Frelimo and emphasized the importance of judicial attention due to the public interest implications.

The Mozambican state has lost at least 700 million Meticais, over 10 million dollars, to 'ghost workers' in the public sector. This chronic issue persists as monthly state budget funds are drained into accounts of non-existent employees. Biza Novela, director of planning and cooperation at the Ministry of State Administration and Public Service, acknowledges the challenge in locating these workers. The mandatory 'proof of life' system has uncovered numerous cases, especially in the Ministries of Education and Human Development, Health, and the Defense and Security Forces. Academic José Jaime Macuane asserts that these 'ghost workers' are indicative of corruption, with money being siphoned off by individuals manipulating the system.

The Mozambican Parliament approved a new Labor Law on Friday, August 4, introducing new regulations for the labor market. The law legalizes employment for 15-year-old adolescents with parental authorization and mandates a lighter workload compared to adults. Additionally, the law includes provisions to penalize sexual harassment in the workplace.

Mozambique's National Council for the Fight Against AIDS (CNCS) has reported significant progress in the fight against AIDS over the past 20 years, with approximately one million deaths and 900,000 new infections prevented between 2000 and 2022. Despite these achievements, the country still faces high mortality and infection rates, with over 80,000 deaths and 2.4 million people living with HIV. The Zambézia province has the highest number of new cases. The success has been supported by international donors such as Italy's Community of Sant'Egidio and the United States' PEPFAR. However, with potential discontinuation of donor support, Health Minister Armindo Tiago emphasizes the need for a transition roadmap to maintain and sustain these health gains.

Mozambican MPs are faced with approving their own salary reductions, a proposal that has caused widespread dissatisfaction and put the agenda on hold since Monday. Following the IMF's remarks on public sector wage spending, the Mozambican government decided to adjust the top of the wage chain to ensure sustainability and balance in public finances. This includes reducing the remuneration of all members of state bodies, including ministers, judges, prosecutors, and MPs. MPs are set to lose 32.5% of their monthly income, while ministers will lose about $812. The parliamentary debate on the issue was scheduled for Monday but was postponed to Tuesday due to the MPs' discontent with the proposal.

The Mozambican Association of Health Professionals announced a national strike starting June 1, demanding better salaries and working conditions. The strike, set to last 25 days with a possibility of extension, was declared by the association's president, Anselmo Machava, in Maputo. Key issues include the lack of gloves, excessive working hours, and poor wages. Last year, nurses did not join the doctors' strike.

The Mozambican government announced the handover of Mozambique Airlines (LAM) to international management to address the airline's ongoing crisis. Following studies recommending a new direction, a mixed team led by an international company, likely Fly Modern Ark, will manage LAM to stabilize its finances within six months. The intervention aims to restructure and potentially privatize the airline. The national private sector supports the move, hoping it will benefit the economy and reduce ticket costs.

Frelimo, the majority parliamentary group in Mozambique's Assembly of the Republic, has proposed a constitutional amendment to remove the fixed date for district elections set for 2024, arguing that political, economic, administrative, and legal conditions are not met. The opposition, including Renamo and MDM, criticizes the move as a blow to democracy and contrary to the current Constitution. The district elections were part of the 2019 peace agreement commitments made by President Filipe Nyusi and the late Renamo leader Ossufo Momade. Mozambique is scheduled to hold municipal elections in October this year and general elections in 2024.

Mozambique's government and Renamo have officially completed the disarmament, demilitarization, and reintegration of former Renamo guerrillas, marking the full implementation of the Maputo peace agreements signed four years ago. The ceremony, attended by Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and UN representative Cristina Duarte, was praised as an example of peaceful conflict resolution. However, Renamo leader Ossufo Momade warned of prevailing risks, particularly issues overshadowing the electoral process, such as alleged irregularities in the recent electoral registration.

A 47-year-old Mozambican businesswoman of Asian descent was kidnapped outside her company in Maputo, despite government assurances in parliament about combating kidnappings. The Criminal Investigation Police (SERNIC) is investigating the case. Official data shows 28 kidnappings of businesspeople or their relatives since 2021, mostly in Maputo and Matola, with 15 cases resolved. The anti-kidnapping brigade announced by the President over two years ago remains inactive, drawing criticism from Renamo spokesperson Arnaldo Chalaua. Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane spoke of ongoing specialized training and equipment mobilization to improve the unit's operational capacity.

President Filipe Nyusi has warned of worsening conditions across Mozambique due to floods affecting over 39,000 people, particularly in Maputo province and city. Nyusi highlighted the risk of more rain leading to further flooding and urged local authorities to prevent people from returning to high-risk areas. The floods have impacted around 300 schools, with 50 in critical condition, leading to a suspension of classes for a week in the most affected areas. Additionally, Mozambique faces a cholera outbreak with approximately 4,000 cases and 32 deaths since the start of the rainy season in October, alongside a significant number of malaria cases and 83 deaths.

Social activists and political analysts are questioning the transparency of the Independent Commission announced by the French multinational Total Energy to assess the security and humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. The commission, led by Jean Christophe Rufin, former French ambassador to Senegal and Gambia, is expected to deliver a report by the end of the month, which will inform decisions on resuming natural gas exploration activities in Palma district. The Human Rights Defenders Network disputes the commission, citing biases, and insists that such a commission should be established by appropriate bodies with state-created terms of reference. Political analyst Gil Aníbal emphasizes the need for local actors, including the government and communities, to be included in the commission to avoid an unrepresentative report. There are also concerns about who will bear the costs of the commission's work.

Filipe Nyusi began the penultimate year of his second term as President of Mozambique amidst mixed opinions about his performance. In his self-assessment, Nyusi refrained from claiming victories but mentioned that the impact of his actions would be seen in the medium to long term. He emphasized peace as a key battle and noted achievements in that area. However, citizens in Maputo are divided, with some recognizing improvements in water supply and electrification, while others point out setbacks in human rights and the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado. Analyst Edilson Manjate suggests that Nyusi's greatest legacy could be leaving the country without conflict.

The Mozambican Medical Association, led by President Milton Tatie, announced the suspension of a strike that had been ongoing since the beginning of the month. The decision, influenced by public appeal and the President of the Republic, aims to ensure a peaceful festive season with adequate medical care. The suspension will last for one month starting from the following Friday, which is four days before the initially planned end of the strike. Tatie emphasized that their demands remain unmet and that they will reassess their position after 30 days.

Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, the worst since 2000, prompting calls for a national dialogue on water management and sustainable development. The country, which receives over half of its annual surface water flow from neighboring countries, is prone to natural disasters, especially floods. Recent floods have resulted in 113 deaths and affected 250,000 people. The National Institute for Disaster Management has been active in evacuating and aiding affected individuals. However, the floods also highlight the country's inadequate infrastructure and dam management. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of forestry projects on Mozambique's water supply, as the government has granted land concessions for commercial tree plantations, which could significantly deplete water resources. Experts emphasize the need for careful analysis of these projects' effects on the water balance and stress the importance of water as a key issue for the future.

Mozambican farmers are concerned about the increasing number of land leases to foreign agribusinesses, which they fear will lead to land scarcity and displacement of local communities. The Mozambique’s National Peasants Union (UNAC) spokesperson João Palate highlighted that the government's actions could prioritize investors over local farmers. The largest project, ProSavana, has allocated over 10 million hectares to Brazilian and Japanese investors, raising concerns about food security as the focus is on export crops like soybeans. Instances of displacement have been reported, such as in Niassa Province by Chikweti Forests and in Zambézia Province by Portuguese agribusiness Quifel. Promises of compensation and new land have often gone unfulfilled, leaving farmers like Delfina Sidónio and Ernesto Elias without their traditional lands and livelihoods. The government acknowledges these issues but has limited its role to encouraging dialogue. Experts suggest adopting 'win-win' solutions to protect community land rights while promoting agricultural investment.