Historical Background

Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The left wing Frelimo party emerged from the transition as the dominant political force, and remains in Government today. The opposition Renamo party originally came into existence as a right wing rebel group. Between 1975 and 1990, Mozambique experienced fifteen years of civil war centred on Renamo and Frelimo antagonism and exacerbated by outside interference, including from apartheid South Africa. Following negotiations between the two sides, a general peace agreement was signed, and came into force in October 1992. Despite some outbreaks of violence since then, particularly during parliamentary and Presidential elections, Mozambique's political recovery has been steady. Ireland has an Embassy in Maputo.

Source: Development Cooperation Ireland.