On 25 June 1975, Mozambique ended five centuries of Portuguese domination. Nearly half a century later, the country reflects on a hard-won independence after a decade of armed struggle.

Maputo

Mozambique is commemorating 50 years since achieving independence from Portugal, ending nearly 500 years of colonial rule. The path to sovereignty was marked by a decade-long armed struggle led by the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), which culminated in the signing of the Lusaka Accord and the country's independence.

Following independence, Mozambique endured a prolonged civil war between FRELIMO and RENAMO forces, resulting in widespread displacement and famine. Despite ongoing challenges such as sporadic violence and economic hardship, there is hope among Mozambicans for a more stable and prosperous future.

Mozambique marks 50 years of independence from Portuguese rule

In Independence Square, this statue of Samora Machel stands proud, a strong reminder of Mozambique's difficult path from colony to sovereign state. European presence began with Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese established control of the country by 1530. Despite a wave of independence across Africa in the mid-20th century, the brutal colonial economy was thriving right into the 1960s. In June 1960, colonial soldiers fired into a crowd protesting the arrest of independence activists. What came to be called the Muay de Massacre was about to fan the flames of independent movements across the country. In 1962, exiled activists formed a new party, the Mozambique Liberation Front, also known as FRELIMO. Two years later, FRELIMO launched an armed guerrilla campaign against Portuguese forces. What followed was ten years of the Mozambican War of Independence. After a decade of sporadic fighting, and following the fall of the Portuguese dictatorship caused by the Carnation Revolution in April 1974, a ceasefire was finally agreed in September. The Lusaka Accord, signed by Samora Machel and Portuguese officials, resulted in a negotiated independence on the 25th of June 1975. The emblematic Samora Machel went on to become Mozambique's first president. The next 50 years continued to be tumultuous. Between 1977 and 1992, a violent civil war between FRELIMO forces and anti-communist RENAMO forces displaced millions of people and resulted in a devastating famine. Since then, occasional violence, terrorist threats and financial difficulties have continued to fuel social unrest. Liberals hope the next 50 years might be more prosperous for their young country.

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