325 20 relIgIon and development In moZambIque Júlio Machele 1 INTRODUCTION After a protracted war that began in 1964 between the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) rebel movement and the Portuguese colonial government, Mozambique achieved its independence on 25 June 1975. The celebration at Machava Stadium was preceded by the triumphal journey undertaken by then president of Frelimo, Samora Moisés Machel, 2 covering the whole country and starting from the north, the cradle of the national liberation struggle. 3 The celebration of national independence was the culmination, in the eyes of the leadership of Frelimo, 4 of a heroic struggle against the Portuguese fascist regime. The struggle, according to the leadership of Frelimo, mobilised all those lovers of freedom and of a just, egalitarian society, where there is no exploitation. In fact, this stance was confirmed in the first Constitution of Mozambique. Article 26 of the Constitution stipulated that, All citizens of the People’s Republic of Mozambique enjoy the same rights and are subject to the same duties regardless of their colour, race, sex, ethical origin, place of birth, religion, educational level, profession ethical origin. All acts aimed at disturbing social harmony, creating divisions or situations of privilege based on colour, race, sex, etc. are punishable by law. 5 Nonetheless, despite the great ambition shown to create a harmonious society, the memories of colonialism and the alliances made during the colonial period would weigh significantly on the development strategies to be adopted, 6 as well 1 Assistant Lecturer, History Department, University Edurdo Mondlane. 2 Joaquim Alberto Chissano, who later succeeded Samora Moisés Machel from 1986 to 2005, directed the interim government formed after the ceasefire on 7 September 1974. He took over as prime minister on 20 September 1974 up to the celebration of National Independence. 3 On the discourses of Samora Moisés Machel during his triumphal trip, see Darch C and Hedges D. 2013. “Political Rhetoric in the Transition to Mozambican Independence: Samora Machel in Beira, June 1975”, Kronos 39:32‑65. 4 Frente de Libertação de Moçambique [Front for the Liberation of Mozambique]. 5 República Popular de Moçambique. 1975. Constituição da República Popular de Moçambique [Constitution of Popular Republic of Mozambique], Maputo: Imprensa Nacional. 6 The Roman Catholic Church, for example, made official alliances with colonial government in Mozambique in 1940. Some Muslims were coopted to the Portuguese side during the liberation war. Some individuals acting as government officials were also regarded as Portuguese allies, the famous “compromised”. Green MC (ed). 2019. Law, Religion and Human Flourishing in Africa. Stellenbosch: Conference-RAP DOI: 10.18820/9781928314592/20 © 2019 AFRICAN SUN MeDIA