Research Library: Mozambique
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Last Updated Jul 01, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Mozambique is a republic with a president and a prime minister. It became a multi-party democracy in 1990 with elections in 1994. The Assembly of the Republic has 250 members directly elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The next elections will be held in December 2009.
- President Armando Guebuza took office in 2005. Renamo, the main opposition party, accused the Frelimo party of vote rigging. President Guebuza appointed Luisa Diogo as prime minister. The Assembly of the Republic is dominated by the Frelimo party who holds 62% of the seats.
Political Stability
- After years of armed anti-colonial struggle, Portugal granted Mozambique independence in 1975. The Frelimo military campaign became the only political party allowed in the new socialist state. Civil war and sabotage from neighboring states led to widespread instability. The country suffered from the mass exodus of Portuguese colonists and rising nationalism.
- In 1993, President Samora Machel declared the socialist state a failure, calling for political and economic reforms. He died in a mysterious plane crash. His replacement, President Chissano, implemented many of Machel¿s reforms. Chissano also held talks with rebel groups, ending the civil war in 1992 with UN peacekeeping assistance. Over a million refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes.
Current Government Policies
- President Guebuza promises to fight corruption, bureaucracy and poverty while carrying out economic reforms. President Guebuza hopes that economic reforms will attract foreign investment to Mozambique which has recently seen a strong economic growth.
International Reputation
- Mozambique¿s current foreign policy focuses on the maintenance of relationships and the expansion of development assistance. Past relationships were tense with the white governments of South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Today, Mozambique¿s relationships with its neighbors are generally positive. Western aid replaced Soviet assistance. Relations with former colonist Portugal remains complex but a business relationship developed.
Economics
- The economy suffered from socialist management and years of civil war. A combination of macroeconomic reforms, political reform and international aid enabled economic growth rates to increase. Some reforms have increased the effectiveness of the government to collect revenue, although Mozambique still relies heavily on foreign aid. Many Mozambicans rely on subsistence agriculture and remain below the poverty line.
- Additional foreign investment is needed to develop different industries. At the end of 2007, Mozambique acquired Portugal¿s majority share of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectricity Company. Further development of titanium extraction/processing and garment manufacturing will help close the import-export gap. Mozambique¿s debt levels decreased in recent years due to forgiveness and rescheduling, making the country's debt more manageable.
Foreign Aid
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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