FRELIMO conference in Chimoio faces scrutiny over potential use of state airline

The FRELIMO political party is holding its 11th National Cadre Conference in Chimoio, Manica province, to discuss general guidelines for the upcoming 13th Congress. Party spokesperson Pedro Guiliche reported that the first day involved debates on topics including corruption, public services, terrorism, and food sovereignty.

Simultaneously, concerns have been raised regarding the potential misuse of public resources to support the event. Adriano Nuvunga, Director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), questioned the extraordinary increase in flight frequency by the state-owned airline, LAM, between Maputo and Chimoio during the conference dates.

Nuvunga noted that LAM scheduled five daily flights to accommodate delegates, suggesting this may constitute indirect financing of the political party by the state. This scrutiny comes as LAM undergoes restructuring with significant state financial injections, including approximately 1.703 billion meticais provided through the State Participation Management Institute (IGEPE).