As Coal Boosts Mozambique, the Rural Poor Are Left Behind

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/world/africa/as-coal-boosts-mozambique-the-rural-poor-are-left-behind.html


The people of Mozambique were delighted when they found out that a huge coal mine was to be build in their country by a Brazilian company called Vale. They hoped that this development would bring their country out of a dark cloud filled with war and poverty, but they were wrong. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in Africa due to being involved in a Civil War that has lasted 16 years, but they are considered on of the African "lion" countries because of their consistently rapid growth over the past few years. The problem is that the country is growing and becoming more wealthy, but the people are not. That is why this mining idea was so exciting because it was supposed to offer jobs and income for many people. But the housing was poorly build for those who were supposed to be seeing an improvement along with the building of this mine and therefore they had to return and continue relying on the income and jobs (farming) they had before. I try and keep an eye on the activities in Mozambique because in high school, I was their representative when I participated in Model UN. I know about the past struggles and activities that have transpired within that country and I am always optimistic that they will be able to continue growing and will qualify as a African "lion" country.