RENAMO

RENAMO, Resistência Nacional Moçambicana, is a Mozambican political party and former guerrilla movement. It originated during the Mozambican Civil War as the organized armed opposition to the FRELIMO government that had led Mozambique since independence in 1975.

It was formed in 1979 as a rebel movement under André Matsangaissa and received external support from Rhodesia and, later, South Africa as part of Cold War-era efforts to destabilize the FRELIMO regime. The war persisted for more than a decade and generated widespread displacement and violence before a political settlement was reached.

The Rome General Peace Accord of 1992 established a ceasefire and provided a framework for multiparty elections. In 1994 Mozambique held its first multiparty elections, and RENAMO emerged as the principal opposition party, winning a significant share of seats in parliament. Afonso Dhlakama became the party’s long-time leader, guiding RENAMO through the 1990s and 2000s until his death in 2018. Under his leadership, RENAMO pursued reforms and greater decentralization while maintaining its opposition stance.

Following Dhlakama’s death, Ossufo Momade was elected leader in 2018. RENAMO remains a major political force in Mozambique, with representation in the National Assembly and governing roles in some provinces. The party has experienced internal splits and periods of violence, particularly in the 2010s, but continues to participate in national and local politics.

Ideology and stance: RENAMO positions itself as a nationalist, center-right party advocating constitutional reform, decentralization, and market-oriented economic policies, while remaining committed to Mozambican sovereignty and minority rights.