The Court of Appeal has today given judgment in De Safa v The Republic of Mozambique (acting through its Attorney General) [2026] EWCA Civ 1349.

In a judgment given by Miles LJ, with whom Whipple LJ and Males LJ agreed, the Court of Appeal upheld the order of Mr Justice Robin Knowles CBE joining Mrs Clara Martinez Thedy de Safa to the long-running proceedings. Mrs Safa had challenged the decision to join her to Mozambique’s claim, which was made on the basis that, as the heir to the late Mr Iskandar Safa, she had succeeded to his liabilities as a matter of Lebanese law. The Court dismissed her appeal in its entirety.

The judgment marks a further significant step in the Republic’s efforts, acting through its Attorney General, His Excellency Américo Julião Letela, to obtain full justice for the Mozambican people following the ‘Hidden Debts’ scandal.

Sarah Gabriel (Partner), Philip Gardner (Of Counsel) and Louisa Keech (Associate) acted for the Republic in the appeal, instructing Mr Ciaran Keller KC (Essex Court Chambers), Mr Jordan Holland (5 Stone Buildings) and Mr Akash Sonecha (Essex Court Chambers). Mr Nathan Pillow KC (Essex Court Chambers) and Mr Ryan Ferro (3 Verulam Buildings) acted at an earlier stage in the appeal.