History of Mozambique

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Democracy

Mozambique held elections in 1994, which were accepted by most parties as free and fair while still contested by many nationals and observers alike. Frelimo won, under Joaquim Chissano, while Renamo, led by Afonso Dhlakama, ran as the official opposition. In 1995, Mozambique joined the Commonwealth, becoming the only member nation that was never part of the British Empire.

By mid-1995, over 1.7 million refugees who had sought asylum in neighboring countries had returned to Mozambique, part of the largest repatriation witnessed in sub-Saharan Africa. An additional 4 million internally displaced persons had returned to their homes.

In December 1999, Mozambique held elections for a second time since the civil war, which were again won by Frelimo. Renamo accused Frelimo of fraud, and threatened to return to civil war, but backed down after taking the matter to the Supreme Court and losing.

In 2001, Chissano indicated that he would not run for a third term, serving only until the next elections, due in 2004. He criticised leaders who stay on for longer, which was generally seen as a reference to Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, who at the time was considering a third term, and Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, then in his fourth term.

In early 2000 a cyclone caused widespread flooding in the country, killing hundreds and devastating the country.

While the people of Mozambique are generally honest, often returning excess money paid by foreigners confused by their currency and abiding by their working hours and responsibilities, there are widespread suspicions that foreign aid resources have been diverted by powerful leaders of Frelimo. Carlos Cardoso, a journalist investigating these allegations, was murdered but his death wasn't satisfactorily explained.

The country, as of late 2004, is still largerly derelict, not yet having fully recovery from first the flight of the Portuguese, then the Communist government and finally the civil war. There is a perception that foreign aid, while having been essential for relief at the end of the war and the beginning of the market economy and democracy alike, is inflating the economy while in effect keeping the local entrepreneurship depressed by trying providing as gifts much that should be locally developed.

Much of the economical recovery is being provided by some returning Portuguese and by South African investors and tourists, besides Orientals.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

History of Mozambique

Democracy

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