Paper short abstract:

The paper provides an analysis of the links between poverty, inequality, political protest and trust in state vs. civil society institutions among different groups and regions in Mozambique based on quantitative and qualitative data and situated in the historical context.

Paper long abstract:

The process of socio-economic transition from socialist single-party to liberal-democratic system in Mozambique started with economic reforms in the 1980s, followed by a move to multi-party democracy in 1994. The results have, however been contradictory. Although economic growth figures have been impressive following the peace accord of 1992, growth has been unequal and limited to a few foreign-dominated technology-intensive sectors while agricultural development has been neglected. After an initial phase of successful poverty reduction, inequality and poverty have again started to rise. At the same time the initial gains in democratization achieved in the first two national elections have largely been reversed in the following rounds, which reflect widespread disillusionment among citizens. The ruling party shows signs of increasingly authoritarian behaviour and open contempt for democratic institutions, while the opposition has become fragmented and weak. Civil society, which is supposed to have an important role in a liberal-democratic regime, has largely been co-opted or suppressed by the ruling party. The subsequent spread of discontent from the historically marginalised rural areas in the North and Center to previously privileged urban areas in the South has been reflected in a series of protest movements and violent demonstrations during the last few years.

The paper provides a review of the development of civil society in Mozambique, followed by an analysis of the links between poverty, inequality, political protest and trust in state vs. civil society institutions among different groups and regions based on quantitative (Afrobarometer) and qualitative data.