The Mozambican Civil War

The Mozambican Civil War

(Portuguese: Guerra Civil Moçambicana) was a bloody conflict fought in Mozambique from 1977 to 1992, fueled by local conflicts and Cold War politics, and profoundly shaped the country. Gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique immediately faced internal conflicts between the ruling party FRELIMO and the opposition group RENAMO. RENAMO received support from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1977 to weaken the socialist-leaning FRELIMO, which fueled the war. The war was also exacerbated by external influences, including Soviet support for FRELIMO and support from Rhodesia and later South Africa for RENAMO. The main battles took place between the following parties: FRELIMO – Mozambique's ruling Marxist party RENAMO – anti-communist insurgents, supported by Rhodesia and later South Africa. Other smaller groups included PRM, UNAMO, COREMO, UNIPOMO, and FUMO. Period: May 30, 1977 – October 4, 1992 (15 years, 4 months, 4 days) Location: Mozambique A significant event was the signing of the peace agreement on October 4, 1992, between FRELIMO and RENAMO, which ended the conflict. This agreement led to democratization, elections, and the withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces, including the UN. Since then, the country has been on the path to stability, although conflicts have resurfaced in recent years, particularly in the north in Cabo Delgado, involving Islamist militias. Outcome: Peace according to the Rome Agreement. Warring Parties: Mozambique: FRELIMO, ZANU (until 1979), Zimbabwe (from 1979/1980), Tanzania, Malawi (from 1987), Soviet Union RENAMO, PRM (until 1982) Key Leaders: Mozambique – Samora Machel †, Joaquim Chissano Zimbabwe – Robert Mugabe Tanzania – Julius Nyerere Malawi – Hastings Banda RENAMO – André Matsangaissa †, Afonso Dhlakama PRM – Amos Sumane †, Gimo Phiri Strength: Mozambique – 80,000 Zimbabwe – 20,000 Tanzania – 6,000 Soviet Union – 4,000 Romania – 500 RENAMO – ~20,000 Losses: The war led to Massive destruction, approximately 900,000 deaths, and the displacement of over five million civilians, primarily due to fighting, famine, and terrorist attacks. RENAMO carried out attacks on civilians, used child soldiers, and targeted economic infrastructure, while FRELIMO defended the population politically and militarily. Mozambique – unknown Zimbabwe – 296 soldiers and 24 pilots (1984–1990) Tanzania – 99 soldiers Malawi – over 100 dead Soviet Union – 8 dead (official) Total – over 1,000,000 dead, including famine victims; RENAMO was responsible for up to 100,000 deaths. RENAMO fought against FRELIMO's socialist one-party state and was supported by Rhodesia and South Africa to weaken the support of militant nationalist groups. The war led to massive displacement—5 million people were displaced—and destroyed infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, railways, and schools. Both sides were accused of human rights violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers and widespread land grabs. Landmines were also a problem. Neighboring Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi sent troops to protect their economic interests from RENAMO attacks. The war ended in 1992 after the collapse of Soviet and South African support. Peace talks mediated by the Mozambican Council of Churches and Italy led to the Rome General Peace Agreements. RENAMO units were demobilized or integrated into the Mozambican army. Thus, the Mozambican Civil War was a complex and bloody conflict, triggered by the struggle for political dominance, external support, and ethno-political tensions, and continues to this day after decades of peace due to renewed violence in the north. The UN mission in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) supported reconstruction efforts after the war. Tensions flared up again between 2013 and 2018, but a second peace agreement was signed in 2019.