The Origins of War in Mozambique: A History of Unity and Division

"The independence of Mozambique in 1975 and its decolonisation process attracted world-wide attention as a successful example of 'national unity'. Yet the armed conflict that broke out between the government and the guerrilla force in 1977 lasted for sixteen years and resulted in over a million deaths and several million refugees, placing the notion of 'national unity' into doubt. For nearly twenty years, Sayaka Funada-Classen interviewed people in rural communities in Mozambique. By examining their testimonies, along with historical documents, previous studies, international and regional politics, and the changes that various interventions under colonialism brought to the traditional social structure, this book demonstrates that the seeds of 'division' had already been planted while the liberation movement was seeking 'unity' in the struggle years."--Back cover.