Mozambique’s long history of nation-building is still unfinished. The country is still pursuing a cohesive national identity, stable institutions, and the economic foundations that would unify diverse groups. This is crucial to foster harmony and political stability.
Nation-building in Mozambique dates back to the last decades of Portuguese colonial rule, in the 1960s. At this time, it was mainly driven by resistance movements and anti-colonial struggles. As nationalist groups emerged, they aimed to unify diverse ethnic groups and overthrow colonial powers. A sense of shared identity was fostered through the fight for independence.
But after independence in 1975, new challenges to nation-building arose. The conflict between the Frelimo party, which triumphed in the national liberation struggle against Portugal, and the armed opposition, Renamo, resulted in a long process of destabilisation. It fragmented an already fragile national unity. Added to this were the challenges of establishing a socialist state.
