Guerra civil em Moçambique: um olhar entre as zonas rurais no sul de Moçambique, com o caso de Marracuene, entre 1977 a 1992

Abstract

This paper investigates the context of the civil war in Mozambique, especially in the southern corridor of the country around Maputo, focusing on the district of Marracuene. The aim is to explore the causes of the war and its social impact. The civil war in Mozambique began shortly after independence in 1976/77 and ended in 1992 with the General Peace Accords in Rome. The origins of the war are debated, with some schools of thought emphasizing external factors, such as South African support, while others highlight the country’s internal dynamics. RENAMO, an insurgent group, played a central role in the conflict, taking advantage of unpopular government policies and developing its own military capabilities. The war had a devastating impact on the population, causing human losses, mental trauma and widespread rape, especially against women and children. The study focuses on Marracuene, describing its geographical location, agriculture-based economy and demographic characteristics. The methodology included documentary research and semi-structured interviews due to the scarcity of data on Marracuene. The literature review addressed the causes of the war, including economic, political and anthropological factors. The civil war was characterized by several phases, with RENAMO gaining power and territory over time. This war, which decimated countless people, continued to act in different ways in each district of the province and city of Maputo, with unique and different characteristics in each region, and its impact especially in Marracuene was profound, affecting social mobility and causing challenges for the local community. The war led to the displacement of people, changes in social structures and widespread human rights violations. Women and children were particularly affected, suffering abuse and violations throughout this district. The war also had a significant economic impact, damaging infrastructure and agricultural production. In short, the civil war in Mozambique has left deep scars on society, affecting millions of people and requiring long-term reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)