Causes of Mozambican Civil War (1977-94)

Colonial legacy. The departing colonialists did not prepare Mozambique for self- government.
 
Economic hardships. The post independent government met a number of economic problems. The deporting Portuguese had destroyed vehicles, infrastructure etc.
The ban on political activities.
 
The cold war influence. FRELIMO declared itself as a Marxist government at independence and after. It got support from the eastern block but this alarmed the capitalist block, which sponsored rebel activities in Mozambique so as to weaken socialism.
 
The nationalisation of settlers' property and that of multi-national corporations brewed trouble for the Mozambique government. These decided to sponsor the anti- FRELIMO rebels.
 
South Africa's policy in the region also led to the civil war in Mozambique. She supported RENAMO rebels so as to keep the FRELIMO government busy and away from supporting the ANC and SWAPO rebels in South Africa and Namibia respectively.
 
The problem of famine which led to starvation also led to the civil war. Even the food relief given by the international bodies was sabotaged by the rebels.
 
There was a power vacuum after the death of Samora Machel in a planned plane crash in 1986. RENAMO wanted to seize power but FRELIMO's Joachim Chissano carried on. War continued.
 
The Angolan civil war influenced the Mozambican civil war. UNITA advised the RENAMO rebels to carry on for fear that a stable Mozambique could give military Aid to Angola against UNITA.
 
The presence of foreign troops and advisers in Mozambique led to the civil war. They had come in to assist the Mozambicans fight against the Portuguese colonialism. RENAMO rebels claimed that Mozambique wasn't yet truly independent when it still had Marxist advisers and troops.

National Movements and New States in Africa