Effects of the civil war.
Enormous
economic decline due to the high government expenditure on the war.
Also due to rebel sabotage of the economic projects by the rebels.
There was an exodus of refugees to neighbouring Angola, Zimbabwe and
Namibia. It also led to an increasing number of internally displaced
persons.
It led to colossal loss of lives. These included both the FRELIMO and
RENAMO soldiers as well as innocent victims like unarmed children and
women. Among the victims of the war was Samora Machel.
It led to the re-introduction of multi-partism in Mozambique- Due to
RENAMO's claims that they were fighting to return multi party democracy
in the country, Joachim Chissano lifted the ban on political panics in
1993 and organised the 1994 democratic multi-party elections.
Agricultural decline. This was due to political instability and this in
turn led to famine. The famine was made worse by the drought.
It led to the signing of the 1984 Nkomati Accord by which south Africa
was to stop assisting rebels and by which Mozambique was to sell HEP
from Cabora Bossa Dam to South Africa.
Interruption of trading activities. This hindered Mozambique from
enjoying the benefits from her sea ports e.g Port Beira closed down,
mineral prospecting stopped etc.
The standard of living declined due to the destruction of social
infrastructure like schools and hospitals, then the poisonous gases
from weapons which affected health and the environment-
It extended neo-colonialism , Mozambique which had at first declared
its non alignment had to continue relying on the eastern block. Then
NGOs came in to help the displaced persons and this was a manifestation
of neo-colonialism.
It accelerated corruption amongst government officials especially the
ministry of defence. Most top officers embezzled government funds
claiming they were spending it on the war effort.
National Movements and New States in Africa