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Mozambique has had four presidents since the office was created in 1975. The current president, Filipe Nyusi, started his first term on January 15, 2015, and began his second term on January 15, 2020.
However, Mozambique’s constitution allows presidents to serve only two terms. This rule first applied to Joaquim Chissano, who left office in 2005 after serving two terms.
READ ALSO: List Of Kenyan Presidents Since Independence
List Of Mozambique Presidents From 1975 Till Date
No | Name | Tenure | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Samora Machel | 25 June 1975 – 19 October 1986 † | FRELIMO |
_ | Acting (Political Bureau of the Central Committee of FRELIMO) | 19 October 1986 – 6 November 1986 | FRELIMO |
2 | Joaquim Chissano | 6 November 1986 – 1 December 1990 | FRELIMO |
3 | Joaquim Chissano | 1 December 1990 – 2 February 2005 | FRELIMO |
4 | Armando Guebuza | 2 February 2005 – 15 January 2015 | FRELIMO |
5 | Filipe Nyusi | 15 January 2015 – Present | FRELIMO |
Who Was The First President In Mozambique?
Samora Machel was the first president of Mozambique, leading the country from its independence on June 25, 1975, until his tragic death in an airplane crash on October 19, 1986. His leadership was a turning point for Mozambique as it transitioned from being a Portuguese colony to an independent nation.
Born on September 29, 1933, in Chilembene, Mozambique, Machel grew up in a farming family. During the 1950s, his family lost their land to Portuguese settlers, which showed him how harsh colonial rule could be.
He attended mission schools and later worked as a nurse in the capital, Maputo, where he saw firsthand the injustices faced by black Mozambicans under colonial rule.
In the early 1960s, Machel joined the Mozambique Liberation Front, also known as FRELIMO. This group was dedicated to ending Portuguese rule.
After receiving military training in Algeria, Machel rose through FRELIMO’s ranks and became its leader in 1970 after Eduardo Mondlane’s assassination.
Under his leadership, FRELIMO intensified its fight against Portuguese forces, which eventually led to Mozambique gaining independence in 1975. Machel became president and built a new socialist state.
His government nationalized key industries and redistributed land to help poor farmers. He also improved education and healthcare for Mozambicans.
Machel’s presidency faced economic challenges and a civil war with the Mozambican National Resistance, or RENAMO, which was backed by countries like South Africa and Rhodesia.
In 1984, he signed the Nkomati Accord with South Africa to reduce regional conflict. Despite these challenges, Machel remained committed to his vision of equality and justice.
His presidency ended suddenly in 1986 when his plane crashed near the border of South Africa. Many believe South African forces may have been involved because Machel was a strong opponent of apartheid.
Who Is The Current President In Mozambique?
The current president of Mozambique is Filipe Nyusi.
He first became president on January 15, 2015, and began his second term on January 15, 2020.
During his time in office, Mozambique has faced significant challenges.
Poverty rates have increased, and many young people struggle to find jobs.
According to reports, 23% of the population does not have any way to earn a living.
Since Nyusi took office, there have been serious concerns about political violence.
Opposition leaders, journalists, and members of civil society have been targeted, with some being assassinated.
Even Afonso Dhlakama, the historical leader of the opposition party RENAMO, faced assassination attempts.
This led to renewed conflict in Mozambique’s central region.
Another conflict began in 2017 in the northern part of the country, which is rich in resources.
Despite these challenges, Nyusi made efforts to promote peace.
He engaged in direct talks with RENAMO, leading to the signing of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation in 2019.
This agreement improved decentralization and supported the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process.
Nyusi has also faced accusations of corruption.
He has been linked to an illegal loans scandal, also known as the “hidden debts” case, which caused a financial crisis in Mozambique.
It was alleged that he received bribes when he was the Minister of Defense.
Critics have questioned the independence of Mozambique’s judiciary.
Nyusi’s government has also been accused of using death squads to silence opposition.
Regardless of these allegations, he remains the president of Mozambique.
