Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UNDERSTAND MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique Today
Since the signing of peace accords in 1992, and the first multiparty elections in 1994,
Mozambique has been remarkably successful in moving beyond its history of war and
transforming military conflict into political competition. In December 2004, Armando Gue-
buza, an insider in the ruling Frelimo political party, was elected to succeed long-serving
former president Joaquim Chissano (also Frelimo), who had earlier announced his intent to
step down. An easy re-election for Guebuza followed in 2009. The next national elections
are scheduled for 2014.
Thanks to these relatively smooth political transitions, Mozambique has won acclaim
and donor funding over the past decade as a successful example of postwar reconciliation
and democracy-building in Africa. The country is also set to benefit economically from
major coal and natural gas finds in the north. However, challenges continue, including
widespread corruption, rising organised crime and opposition party Renamo's ongoing
struggles to prove itself as a viable political party. Yet, despite these shadows, the long-
term outlook is positive. Throughout its long history, Mozambique has shown a remarkable
ability to rebound in the face of adversity, and most observers still count the country among
the continent's bright spots.
History
From Bantu-speaking farmers and fishers to Arabic traders, Goan merchants and adventur-
ing Europeans, Mozambique has long been a crossroads of cultures.
In the Beginning
The first Mozambicans were small, scattered clans of nomads, possibly distant cousins of
the San, who were likely trekking through the bush as early as 10,000 years ago. They left
few traces and little is known about this era.
About 3000 years ago, Bantu-speaking peoples from the Niger Delta in West Africa
began moving through the Congo basin. Over a period of centuries they journeyed into
