US embassy cable - 05MAPUTO1099

UNCLAS MAPUTO 001099 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
STATE FOR AF/S - HTREGER 
NSC FOR CCOURVILLE 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PINR, PGOV, PREL, MZ, SADC, Biographical 
SUBJECT: BIO INFORMATION ON NEW SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 
TOMAS SALOMAO 
 
1. (U) Under former President Chissano, Tomas Salomao served 
as Mozambique's Minister of Transport and Communication 
(2000-2005) and Minister of Planning and Finance (1994-1999). 
Salomao is a member of the powerful 15-person FRELIMO 
Political Commission. In the December 2004 general elections 
he won election to the National Assembly as a FRELIMO 
representative. Salomao holds a degree in economics from 
University Eduardo Mondlane (1977), and is the author of many 
articles and books on the economy. He played a key role in 
securing Mozambique's eligibility for debt-relief under the 
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program and has been 
an important advocate for economic reform in Mozambique. 
 
2. (U) Prior to his ministerial appointments, Salomao held a 
number of positions in the government including Deputy 
Minister of Planning (1989-1994), General Manager for 
Planning and Finance, Ministry of National Defense 
(1987-1989), Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense 
(1983-1987), and Technical Director for the National Planning 
Commission (1978-1983). He also served as Director General 
of the state-run steel mill CIFEL (1980-1983), on the Board 
of Directors of the state-owned People's Development Bank 
(1978-1980), and as a technician and member of the Board of 
Directors Caixa Economica (1977-1978). 
 
3. (SBU) As Minister of Planning and Finance, where current 
Prime Minister Luisa Diogo served as his deputy, Salomao was 
known for building positive working relationships with the 
World Bank and the IMF. It is said that during his tenure he 
spoke in favor of an austerity program negotiated with the 
IMF, despite reservations expressed by other members of the 
government. 
 
4. (SBU) Salomao was born October 16, 1954 in the Inharrime, 
Inhambane province. He is married and has two sons. He 
speaks fluent English. 
 
5. (SBU) Comment: Salomao is popularly viewed as very 
competent, even by RENAMO members. Even though he is not 
considered a Guebuza intimate, many had expected that he 
would be chosen to be Guebuza's prime minister because of his 
abilities. 
La Lime