People's Republic of Mozambique

People's Republic of Mozambique
República Popular de Moçambique
←
1975–1990 →
Flag National Emblem
Motto
Unidade, Crítica, Unidade
"Unity, Criticism, Unity"
Anthem
Viva, Viva a FRELIMO
"Long, Live FRELIMO"
Capital Maputo
Languages Portuguese
Government Marxist–Leninist one-party state
Head of State
 •  1975–1986 Samora Machel
 • 1986 Political Bureau
 • 1986–1990 Joaquim Chissano
Prime Minister
 • 1986–1990 Mário da Graça
Historical era Cold War
 •  Established 25 June 1975
 •  Disestablished 1 December 1990
Currency Escudo (MZE)
(1975–1980)
Metical (MZM)
(1980–1990)

The People's Republic of Mozambique (Portuguese: República Popular de Moçambique) was a self-declared Communist regime that lasted from 25 June 1975 to 1 December 1990, when the country became the present-day Republic of Mozambique.

The People's Republic of Mozambique was established shortly after the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and the Mozambique Liberation Front ("Frelimo") established a one-party state. It was led by Samora Machel, which soon was engaged in a civil war with the Mozambique National Resistance ("Renamo"), a guerilla movement initially financed by the Republic of Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe), but later replaced by the Republic of South Africa, who supported and financed the group.[1]

The People's Republic of Mozambique enjoyed close ties with the People's Republic of Angola[2] and the Soviet Union,[3] both of which were communist states at the given time.[4] The People's Republic of Mozambique was also an observer of Comecon ("Council for Mutual Economic Assistance"), which was an economic organization of communist states.[5]

Establishment of the regime

While FRELIMO came to power its official political policies remained vague, but were based in progressive ideas such as building a unified nation based on racial equality, universal literacy, and the empowerment of women. In the months preceding independence, FRELIMO consolidated its presence in the south and in urban areas. This was done through the work of militant groups (grupos dinamizadores or "dynamic groups"), which also included Mozambicans of Portuguese origin. The period prior to independence was also marked by the settling of scores and public trials against members FRELIMO who had strayed from the FRELIMO party line. "Traitors", "reactionaries", and real or suspected agents of the American Central Intelligence Agency or PIDE, the Portuguese security agency.

The Central Committee of FRELIMO adopted the constitution of the People's Republic of Mozambique on June 20, which established that power belongs to the workers and peasants "united and led by FRELIMO and by the organs of people's power". The country's independence was officially proclaimed five days later. Under the new system, FRELIMO was officially the "leading force of the state and society", the President was automatically president of the Republic, President of the People's Assembly, and, until in 1986, head of government. Mozambique had a planned economy. The state recognized private property, but stated that it "cannot be used against the interests defined the constitution." The territory was divided into provinces headed by governors appointed by the president and governed "in accordance with FRELIMO and the government." The governors had authority over the district administrators and local administrators.

The first months of the presidency of Samora Machel were marked by a series of radical measures: land, education and health were nationalized; three radio stations were are abolished and replaced by a national state radio; and the press fell under the control of the government and the party. The independent state continued FRELIMO's policy of alliance with communist countries, which it considered its "natural allies".

SNASP

In October 1975, FRELIMO created the Servicion Segurança Nacional Popular (SNASP, or National Service of Popular Security) a secretive political police force with the responsibility to "suppress all activities hostile to the revolution." The Stasi, the secret service of the German Democratic Republic, provided SNASP training.

Bibliography

See also

References

  1. ↑ D4 Mozambique
  2. ↑ The New Communist Third World By Peter John de la Fosse Wiles
  3. ↑ Soviet Union-Mozambique
  4. ↑ Angola: Communist nations
  5. ↑ THE COUNCIL FOR MUTUAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE


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