From the Bush to the Office: Renamo’s Sustained Support Base During and After the Mozambique Civil War

The Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) is commonly understood as a Cold War-era puppet terrorist group that was intent on destabilizing the nascent socialist government in Mozambique. Since Mozambique ended one-party rule in 1994, this organization continues to serve as the leading democratic opposition to the majority government of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). This paper argues that, contrary to common understanding, external actors had a limited role in RENAMO’s development and success relative to often neglected internal factors. Through an examination of RENAMO’s external support base, its evolution, and its recruitment patterns, as well as popular discontent with FRELIMO, this paper will explain the party’s successful transition to democratic politics.