Mozambique
Colonial rule, civil war and famine hit Mozambique hard after independence in 1975. Following independence, Mozambique was drawn into the struggle against white rule in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa. The Rhodesian government set up Mozambique's rebel movement Renamo, to counter black nationalist guerrillas fighting for Rhodesian independence. When Rhodesia became independent as Zimbabwe in 1980, South Africa's military intelligence manipulated Renamo to coerce Mozambique into deporting exiled South African dissidents, and to show the world that black rule did not necessarily mean stability.
Between 1977 and 1992, up to a million Mozambicans died in a war that ruined the economy, leaving a legacy of landmines and amputees. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. The deal led to stability and rapid economic growth, along with foreign investment.
Mozambique suffered serious setbacks in 2000 and 2001, when floods affected about a quarter of the population and destroyed much of its infrastructure. Then in 2002, a severe drought hit many central and southern parts of the country, including previously flood-stricken areas. Poverty remains widespread, with more than 50% of Mozambicans living on less than $1 a day.
Since the new democratic constitution was promulgated in 1990, political conditions in Mozambique have markedly improved. The political situation has remained fundamentally stable following the departure of the United Nations peacekeeping force (ONUMOZ) in early 1995.
President Joaquim Chissano took over as president in 1986 and supervised the government's switch away from Marxism, the introduction of a multiparty constitution and the peace agreement with the rebel group Renamo. He was re-elected in 1999.
Armando Guebuza, from the ruling Frelimo party, succeeded Chissano in February 2005. The main opposition party and former rebel group Renamo alleged that the election had been rigged. Monitors said irregularities were probably not sufficient to have changed the outcome.
Guebuza, a wealthy businessman, has promised to fight corruption, bureaucracy and poverty.
A former member of Frelimo's armed wing, Guebeza played a leading role in Mozambique's struggle for independence.
Mozambique's foreign relations are still dominated by South Africa, and have benefited from the changes that brought democratic government to the latter in 1994. Also, in an unexpected development and after strong lobbying from its southern African members, Mozambique was admitted to the Commonwealth in November 1994; it is the first and only non-Anglophone of the 53-member organization.
There is general optimism about the country's development potential. Mozambique has significant natural resource potential (gas, oil, hydroelectricity, coal, agriculture). Opportunities also exist in the tourism and transport sectors particularly in relation to the development of the Maputo "corridor" - a term referring to developments of the port road and rail transportation routes from Maputo to Pretoria. This and other transportation "corridors", including inland from the ports of Beira and Nacala, are receiving increased attention from neighboring states and foreign investors, but none more than the Maputo corridor. It is the object of a high level bilateral initiative between South African and Mozambican governments.
There are currently no known direct threats to visitors or expatriate personnel in Mozambique.
Although de-mining efforts continue, thousands of landmines, laid during the civil war, are still a problem for residents and visitors. Travelers to rural areas should stay on main roads. Police officers often require visitors to produce identity and travel documents; visitors are cautioned to carry their passport or resident permit at all times. Resident permits are for those individuals with diplomatic status or who have a work permit. Failure to produce the required documents may result in detention or a fine.
Demonstrations by former soldiers and labor unions occur frequently and large crowds should be avoided. Security forces have used deadly force to disrupt demonstrations. From time to time, members of Frelimo clash with members of Renamo, especially around elections. In one such incident in September 2005, at least five people were killed and 16 others injured during clashes in Mocimboa da Praia over disputed municipal elections. Renamo supporters, who said Frelimo rigged the poll, installed a parallel local government head in the area, prompting skirmishes with Frelimo supporters. Houses of local political leaders on both sides of the political divide were torched in one of the worst flare-ups between the two sides since the peace deal in 1992.
