Mozambique A People At War

1989
This poster draws attention to the plight of the Mozambican population affected by the war.
Published by the EDA, a non-government rural development agency.
This poster does seem to be on the side of the government, FRELIMO.

Around 1989, the conflict in Mozambique reached a critical turning point as the brutal civil war between the ruling Frelimo party and the Renamo rebels moved from a military stalemate toward the beginning of a negotiated peace process. This transition was driven by the shifting international landscape of the Cold War's end, the crumbling of apartheid in South Africa, and a growing internal exhaustion with the 12-year-long conflict.

Political Shifts and the Path to Dialogue

In 1989, the Mozambican government, led by President Joaquim Chissano, initiated significant reforms that paved the way for future peace:

Abandonment of Marxism-Leninism: At Frelimo’s 5th Congress in July 1989, the party officially abandoned Marxism-Leninism as its core ideology.

Constitutional Reform: In July 1989, a new draft constitution was introduced that opened the door for a multiparty political system, which was eventually adopted in November 1990.

Acceptance of Negotiations: During the same July congress, Frelimo officially accepted the principle of negotiating with Renamo.

Role of the Church: Following a breakthrough in February 1989, church leaders returned from talks in Kenya reporting that Renamo was tired of the war and open to negotiations.

415mm x 600mm

R2,500