The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), the largest employers' organization in the country, said on Wednesday that it does not agree with recent statements about the insecurity situation in Cabo Delgado.

The CTA's position comes after the president of the Cabo Delgado Business Council, Mamudo Irache, suggested on Tuesday that French investment in natural gas projects in the Rovuma basin should be withdrawn, claiming that the discovery of natural gas has created instability in the north of the country. But before that, the  The French Embassy in Mozambique had already issued a statement last week advising its citizens not to travel to the cities of Mocímboa da Praia, Pemba and Palma, in Cabo Delgado..

In a statement, the largest employers' organization in the country said that, "looking at the content of the French Embassy's communiqué and the statements made by the representative of the provincial delegation of the CTA - president of the Cabo Delgado Business Council, the CTA board does not agree with these statements, as it considers this to be a matter for the state and not its mission, which is to build and lead a business environment that places the private sector as an active player and maker of our economy".

"Therefore, CTA does not meddle in state affairs, although it is concerned about the situation of insecurity in Cabo Delgado. On the other hand, CTA sees no connection between the French government's communiqué, via its embassy in Maputo, and the performance of TotalEnergies," reads the document, to which the MZNews had access to.

According to the Mozambican business sector, in recent months the military instability in Cabo Delgado has seen a worrying upsurge in terrorist actions, and has brought uncertainties that negatively influence the prospects for economic growth in the province in particular, and the country in general.

In the meantime, CTA stresses that it wants to continue to deepen the relations already underway with the Mozambique LNG project, with a view to maximizing local content. "CTA remains convinced that a resumption of the project in Area 1 will guarantee more opportunities for the national business community, as well as contributing to the sustainable development of Cabo Delgado province in particular and the country in general," it concludes.