Jubilee 2000-Zambia acknowledges with sadness the devastating effects that this year’s floods are causing in Mozambique. We are told that millions of Mozambicans are now displaced, most of who are still on roof-tops and tress, awaiting rescue by helicopters, or living in terrible conditions in emergency camps. Moreover, there has been massive damage done to agricultural fields and animals.

Mr Chrispin Mphuka, Co-ordinator Jubilee 2000-Zambia explained that hope has been raised by the efforts many of Mozambique’s creditors in solving the flood disaster. The announcements by the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and United States of halting debt servicing by Mozambique are indeed most welcome. Such efforts will definitely bring hope and value to life in Mozambique. Jubilee 2000-Zambia is urging all other creditors to imitate this gesture.

Jubilee 2000-Zambia is in solidarity with the Mozambique Debt Network’s call for immediate total cancellation and shortening of the period for reaching the decision point in the HIPC process for Mozambique. The need to come up with tangible strategies in dealing with the Mozambique flood crisis is very urgent.

Mr. Mphuka lamented that the minimal response of the IMF and World Bank to transfer debt repayment for a year is rather disappointing. What Mozambique needs is not postponement of debt repayment but total cancellation of debts. Secondly there is no need for the two institutions to consider giving Mozambique new loans. These loans are only an impediment to processes leading to lasting solutions. Instead IMF and World Bank should be thinking along the lines of providing grants to Mozambique. At the moment, there is simply no room for long and winding negotiations for aid. The country’s survival is at stake.

Mozambique, one of the poorest nations in the world and just emerging from a long civil war, grievously suffering from a natural catastrophe. The country was trying to rebuild itself lately with a national output growth of over eight- percent (8%). But now all this progress has been lost.

Jubilee 2000-Zambia notes with sadness too, that in this terrible situation, Mozambique should continue servicing debts to rich countries that are not experiencing any kind of disaster. Mozambique’s capacity to deal with the floods has been more adversely limited, because of its level of human and social development. Within the period of seeking international assistance, human lives and livelihood systems had been damaged and this reverse will require resources to effectively address the situation.

The seriousness and genuinely of the international community’s assistance can only be weighed in view of seeking quick but also lasting solution to the Mozambique disaster. Mozambique needs now and in the future, all the resources to restore life in the nation. Total debt cancellation is a moral and economic requirement that Jubilee 2000-Zambia call for Mozambique.

For further information, contact Charity Musamba, Research and Information Officer.

Thank you.
Chrispin Mphuka
Co-ordinator Jubilee 2000-Zambia