Hidden debts: Frelimo available to explain to court – spokesman

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Hidden debts: Frelimo available to explain to court – spokesman

3:11 CAT | 13 Nov 2019

Caifadine Manasse. [Photo: Lusa]

Frelimo, the ruling party in Mozambique, said on Tuesday that it was prepared to go to court over allegations that it has received US$10 million (€9 million) from the so-called ‘hidden debts,’ Lusa reports.

“Frelimo, if summoned to provide any kind of positioning, will do so in due course,” Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) spokesman Caifadine Manasse said.

Two weeks ago, lawyers in New York filed evidence of bank transfers totalling US$10 million sent in 2014 by a subsidiary of Privinvest to Frelimo’s central committee. Privinvest was the supplier of vessels and supplies to the companies involved in Mozambique’s so-called ‘hidden debts’ case.

In response to a question, Caifadine Manasse said the party was following the case closely and was available to provide clarification if summoned.

“At no time has Frelimo been to this trial, to give its position,” the ruling party spokesman emphasised.

Caifadine Manasse said that, in any trial, those involved resorted to “gimmicks” to try to get themselves off.

“Everyone brings their own tricks to try to clear themselves,” the spokesman remarked.

The case of hidden debts is connected to the guarantees given by the former Mozambican executive during past president Armando Guebuza’s two terms of office, to loans amounting to around US$2.2 billion (€2 billion) contracted by public companies Ematum, MAM and Proindicus.

Mozambican and US justice authorities, both of which are investigating, have opened cases to determine whether or not part of this money was used to pay bribes to Mozambican and foreigner citizens in a corrupt and illicit enrichment scheme.

The main defendant in the US case is a Privinvest negotiator, Jean Boustani.

Source: Lusa