Paper short abstract:

This paper explores memories and counter-memories of the liberation struggle (1964-1974) in northern Mozambique, and the ways in which these are brought to the forefront at times of political and social tension.

Paper long abstract:

Following contested local elections in 2005, the district of Mocimboa da Praia in Northern Mozambique was shaken by sudden riots. The local tensions leading up to the violence were discussed with reference to politics, ethnicity and differing group allegiances and experiences during the liberation struggle (1964-1974), which was fought largely in Northern Mozambique. The different experiences of the war were alluded to during discussions of the riots and suggested explanations for past and present group dynamics. Diverse experiences of/responses to colonialism were pointed to as a possible reason for present day grievances, along with political affiliation. Here I will discuss the importance of collective memory, violence and public celebrations in the narrative around past and present events. I will discuss the symbolic representation of war, the official narrative of the past, and local counter-memories.

Based on fieldwork conducted in Northern Mozambique, drawing on participant observation of public celebrations and extensive interviews with Makonde veterans (male and female) of the liberation struggle, and with Mwani who lived in Portuguese controlled towns, I will discuss the importance of commemoration, memory and story telling in the understanding of past. I will also address tensions surrounding questions of belonging, expressed through claiming or refusing ownership of local histories.