Colonialism, Socialism and Destabilization in Mozambique

Mozambique has been on the receiving end of three unfortunate phenomena: Portuguese colonization, some of Frelimo’s own policy decisions, and destabilization by white-ruled, southern African regimes, mainly through Renamo (Resistncia Nacional Moambicana) but sometimes also through direct attacks. The middle phenomenon can be broken down into Frelimo’s implementation of what could be called ‘undemocratic socialism’, involving such measures as forced resettlements on collective farms immediately following independence in 1975, and, since 1984, implementation of an IMF/World Bank structural adjustment programme. This paper examines the three phenomena and demonstrates how one led to or assisted the development of another. The author argues that the brutality and oppressiveness of the Portuguese colonizers prompted a militant, radical response from Frelimo. After Mozambique’s independence, the party’s socialist policies and its support of ZANLA (Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army) and the ANC were threatening to Rhodesians and South Africans, and they were also responsible for anti-Frelimo sentiments among some Mozambicans. Renamo was formed and, at least initially, was able to capitalize upon these sentiments and succeeded in disrupting Mozambique’s economy. Finally, the 1984 structural adjustment which Frelimo was forced to adopt has had tremendous social costs and has rearoused antigovernment sentiments that must be alleviated if Mozambique is to survive. Notes, ref.