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Paper short abstract:

Based on novel archival records as well as oral history interviews with high ranking OJM functionaries, this paper explores the relationship between the East German and the nascent Mozambican youth organizatio OJM as one in which power relationships were not as unequal as they seem at first sight.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the role of non-African communist actors in a southern African state through a close analysis of youth as transnational actors. Between 1975 and 1990, the Mozambican liberation movement Frelimo established close relationships with the East German Freie Deutsche Jugend (Free German Youth). Central to this relationship was the mutual aim to “construct a mass democratic organisation for youth,” the Organização da Juventude Moçambicana (OJM) in Mozambique under the guidance and following the model of the FDJ. Based on novel records from FDJ’s archives, as well as oral history interviews with high ranking OJM functionaries, this paper explores the relationship between the East German and the nascent Mozambican youth organization as one in which power relationships were not as unequal as they may seem at first sight. While the FDJ viewed the relationship as an opportunity to „propagate the accomplishments of real existing socialism,” OJM functionaries’ expectations of the FDJ’s support were shaped by a much longer history of Youth solidarity. Building on their experience in negotiating solidarity with various communist and non-communist actors during the liberation struggle, the OJM functionaries’ approach to the relationship was shaped by the pursuit of educational opportunities abroad, material funds and personal perks. As such, the OJM was able to engage with the FDJ on their own terms, leaving an archival trace of puzzlement and confusion in the FDJ’s records today.