Mozambique celebrates Armed Forces Day this Friday, marking the start of its armed struggle for independence.
The war began in 1964 at Chai in Cabo Delgado province, led by the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), which was formed in 1962 from the merger of three exile movements.
FRELIMO’s first President, Eduardo Mondlane, led the liberation struggle until his assassination in 1969, and was succeeded by Samora Machel who proclaimed independence in 1975.
After independence, the country endured a civil war with RENAMO from the early 1980s until the 1992 General Peace Agreement, followed by multiparty elections from 1994.
Today, Armed Forces Day is marked with military parades, official speeches and national events honouring the sacrifices of liberation fighters and fostering unity.
–ChannelAfrica–
