Mozambique’s gas-fuelled future threatened by wave of jihadists

MAPUTO: An unprecedented wave of jihadist attacks in northern Mozambique has raised fears the country will fail to fully cash in on a gas bonanza.

After 180 trillion cubic feet ( 5.1 trillion cubic metres) of natural gas were discovered off the country’s northeastern shore, Mozambique entertained dreams of following Qatar down the path towards wealth.

The government even predicted that by 2035, the country’s GDP per head could increase seven-fold.

But the southeast African country’s golden vision has been thrown into doubt by an explosion of bloodthirsty assaults by a shadowy jihadist group in the region where the industry plans to base its hub.

Since October, more than 30 people have been killed in brazen assaults on unarmed villagers.

Security forces have rushed reinforcements to be area yet seem powerless to stem the attacks.

Terrorised, many civilians have fled their homes and a cloud hangs over the great expansion plans.

US oil and gas giant Anadarko, the largest exploration company in the region, has invested US$ 4 billion so far – it plans to put in US$ 20 billion over the lifetime of the gasfields.

But following a US embassy alert on June 8 that warned of an imminent attack on the regional gas hub Palma, Anadarko temporary suspended some activities and moved affected workers and contractors to a secure site. — AFP