They are stepping up the negative tone to drive home to FT etc just how bad an impact these shenanigans have on business confidence in DRC.
Ultimately, Manono is huge, but DRC ain't gonna be transformed from this project alone. Letting Zijin and partners steal project is BAD for development of DRC. But equally, for DRC to themselves try and now steal back more of the project would be bad for business confidence in DRC. Maybe they get more? Maybe it stalls the project more? But it sure as hell would be another kick in the nuts to anyone else looking for a positive business relationship with the DRC.
Our offer to DRC - throwing in equity in AVZ - is generous enough that I don't think they're going to try and screw more out of us.
All the communications now is about driving home the point that what's holding the project up now isn't just a little administrative confusion or minor quibiling, but straight up shit-fukery from dodgy actors with zero regard for local laws or people. With every TV interview, every article, that becomes a little clearer. Great to hear AVZ calling it out properly, and great to hear embassy(ies) are getting involved.
With regard to the comments about "non-state actors", are we seeing a shift in the narrative from AVZ?
They're no longer dealing with the "competent authorities", now they're battling criminals.
Interesting that this change comes after the supposed reshuffle of the cabinet, in which those who were fingered by IGF went unscathed.
Since everyone is having a glass or two tonight:
Glass half full theory - the negotiations have reached a point where the focus can now shift from winning over the government to beating the crooks.
Glass half empty theory - things have gone badly with the authorities and the BOD are shifting the narrative to criminal behaviours as the excuse for an impending disaster (similar to the CDL mica story)