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Foreign Oil Firms Concerned About Rise of Violence in Northern Mozambique

Ramos Miguel

   MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE/WASHINGTON --Authorities in Mozambique say they are
   taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of foreign gas companies
   operating in the restive northern part of the country.

   Last week, several international oil and gas companies including
   ExxonMobil and Total made a request to the Mozambican government to
   send additional security to the northern province of Cabo Delgado,
   where Islamist militant attacks have significantly increased in recent
   weeks.

   Mozambique's defense minister, Jaime Neto, said Tuesday that his
   government will provide all security needed to foreign companies that
   have been exploring for natural gas in the southeast African country.

   "It is natural for companies to be concerned about security," he said
   in a statement, adding that "the government is doing everything so that
   these multinational [firms], including their workers, can operate with
   tranquility and security."

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