From Violence to Political Engagement: Ending Violence, Expanding Political Incorporation

Mozambique is now at peace. But peace did not come easily to the country. It came in a long, violent, and destructive struggle. Mozambique gained its independence through a war against its colonial ruler, Portugal, which had taken administrative control of the country and implemented vicious processes of race stratification and economic exploitation. Even after independence, regional powers actively intervened in Mozambique’s internal affairs and contributed to the destabilization of the country. Most critically, Mozambique faced a 16-year civil war that ravaged its people.