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The Honorable Hélder Fernando Pitta Gróz The Attorney General of the Republic
Rua Moisés Cardoso Kamy, Ingombota
Luanda Angola
November 19, 2024
RE: How Trafigura and Mota-Engil entered the consortium that will manage the Lobito Corridor for the next 30 years in Angola
Dear Mr. Attorney General Hélder Pitta Gróz:
We are delighted to learn of the United States of America's investment in Angola, particularly in the Lobito Corridor. However, we are concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the involvement of the Swiss company Trafigura and the Portuguese company Mota-Engil in the consortium Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), which "won the concession to manage the Lobito Corridor for 30 years after winning the competition, a bid supported by China.
In May 2021, the Chinese company China Communications Construction Co., Ltd. (CCCC), owned by the People's Republic of China, entered Mota-Engil's share capital and now holds a 32.4% stake.
In July 2022, the Angolan government selected a consortium of Trafigura, Singapore, the Portuguese construction group Mota-Engil, and Belgian private operator Vecturis for a 30-year concession to operate and maintain the Lobito corridor, with the option to extend the contract by a further 20 years, outbidding three Chinese state-owned companies, CITIC, Sinotrans, and CR20.
In October 2022, Mota Engil acquired 20% of the state oil company Sonangol from the Angolan Institute for the Management of State Assets and Holdings (IGAPE) for 23.2 million euros.
Angolan Bank Millennium Atlântico, which controlled 29% of the construction company (Mota-Engil), sold its stake to Mr. Valdomiro Minoru Dondo. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed. The businessman, who was born in Brazil and is also Angolan, has interests in various sectors, including banking, real estate, and communications, and has ties to high-profile political figures.
Mr. Pitta Gróz, when President Lourenço came to power in 2017, he promised to combat corruption in Angola, including within his political party, Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA). Thus, we kindly ask you to (1) declare the value paid by Mr. Valdomiro Minoru Dondo for the 29% of the shares from Millennium Atlântico, (2) explain how Trafigura – known for its ties to corrupt politicians in Angola and allegations of corruption around the world and Mota-Engil, with its mysterious share dealings, secured positions in the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) consortium.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and we are looking forward to your response in regard to the questions raised above.
Sincerely,
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola
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