The company (Twigg Exploration & Mining Lda) that exploits the world's largest high-quality graphite reserve has expelled, via cell phone, 23 workers who were involved in the 2022 strike that paralyzed operations for a period of one month (September to October).

According to information provided by the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), the expulsion comes after they began a strike in order to demand better working conditions, including a pay rise, annual leave (disciplinary leave), recognition and appreciation of professional qualifications.

At the time, the strikers were complaining about differences in pay between local workers and those from other provinces of the country, who are allegedly better paid and better regarded by the company's management.

The CDD publication notes that some workers have accused the bosses and the Balama district administration of a lack of interest in responding to the workers' complaints, after successive rounds of dialogue.

According to the source, none of the expelled workers have received a document from the company certifying their dismissal, let alone compensation.

In an attempt to have their rights restored, the expelled workers have already contacted all the relevant institutions for resolving labor disputes, from the district to the provincial level, but so far none of them has spoken out. This silence contrasts with the commitment and dedication shown by the government in 2022 when it deployed several national, provincial and district officials to help Twigg Exploration & Mining Lda convince the more than 300 workers to return to work.

In fact, for the expelled workers (all from Cabo Delgado), the government only intervenes to protect the interests of international financial capital to the detriment of local communities.