Mozambique: A History.

Today we are discussing the long history, often sad history of Mozambique. Yet another country plagued with the effects of colonialism. for 470 years the people of Mozambique were ruled by the Portuguese. While under Portuguese rule they were stripped of virtually any freedoms.

Beginning in the 15th the first Portuguese traders arrived. With the help of a superior military force, the Portuguese quickly began pushing deeper into Africa, through modern-day Mozambique, into Zimbabwe, and beyond. They then seized complete control of the gold trade, of course, they did this through oppression. But by the time they seized control the gold trade was declining. So they set their sight on other, more inhumane trades. See, while the gold trade was dying, the slave and ivory trade were growing.

Before the arrival of Europeans, slavery did exist in the area, and there was even an active slave trade. However, the Portuguese, Dutch, and Austrians (all of which had settlements in the Mozambique region) expanded it exponentially. In the 1700’s the demand for slaves exploded, and thanks to droughts happening in the 1760’s village raids were becoming a massive problem. Encouraged by Europeans villages were raided and the people kidnapped. The kidnapped people were then brought to the coast and sold in exchange for food, money, and other supplies. These slaves were then brought to the Mascarene islands, Madagascar, Cuba, Brazil, Zanzibar, and the Persian Gulf. This “Legal” slave trade would then continue until 1842.

However, slavery didn’t stop in the region in 1842 with the abolishment of slavery. No, at the time a number of Military states emerged and slavery continued on despite still being technically controlled by Portugal. Then towards the end of the 19th century, the Berlin Conference was held, which created what is now known as ‘The Scramble For Africa,’ where European countries once again jumped at the chance to continue their control. Portugal retained their control of Mozambique. By 1951 Mozambique had become a Province of Portugal, but after more oppression and a Fascist regime, the people of Mozambique began to fight back.

The Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) was established in 1962 as the result of three groups that were in exile. They were led by Eduardo Mondlane Chivambo and began their fight for independence in 1964. A guerilla war ensued that lasted until 1974. During this time, a military coup was happening in Portugal and the end result was a new left-wing government that did not want to maintain an empire or territories. As such, the negotiations for independence began and it was granted in 1975 with FRELIMO taking power in a one-party state.

A civil war began between FRELIMO and the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) which was established by the white-run Rhodesian government that was backed by apartheid in South Africa and by the US. Although a peace agreement was struck in 1992, Mozambique was left in pieces with many victims as well as the destruction of the economy and infrastructure.

In 1994, the first national democratic elections were held and were won by FRELIMO, led by Joaquim Chissano. Chissano remained in power for the next 11 years and under him, the government made steady progress. Upon his retirement, Chissano was awarded the inaugural Prize for Achievement in African Leadership for leaders who proved good governance.

Mozambique appointed its first female Prime Minister, Luisa Diogo in 2004. Since 2004, despite some scandals, Mozambique has enjoyed much peace and stability.

In Conclusion

Thank you for joining us on this brief history of Mozambique. I hope you enjoyed it! If you like this content, please subscribe to stay up to date, and follow our Facebook page to help us grow. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078273135441