Pope Francis flies out on Wednesday to Mozambique, where a historic peace deal last month has promised to end a decades-long conflict that left around a million people dead.
The country’s government and ex-rebel group Renamo, which is now the main opposition party, signed the pact after marathon negotiations.
Here is a timeline of developments.
– 1975 : Independence –
Civil war breaks out after Mozambique gains independence from Portugal in 1975.
The Marxist-inspired Frelimo government and rival rebels Renamo begin a 16-year conflict which devastates the economy and leaves around a million people dead.
– 1992 : Peace deal –
Renamo enters politics after a peace pact signed in Rome, paving the way for multi-party general elections two years later.
The rebel group loses that vote as well as subsequent elections and becomes the official opposition party.
– 2013 : Fresh violence –
Renamo takes up arms again, rejecting the 1992 peace deal.
Clashes erupt again between government forces and Renamo combatants, lasting until 2016.
– 2016 : Ceasefire –
Frelimo’s candidate, Filipe Nyusi, is elected president in 2014. Two years later, the long-running leader of Renamo, Afonso Dhlakama, declares a unilateral ceasefire and starts talks with Nyusi’s government.
The two leaders agree to give Renamo control of several provinces, but disarmament of rebel forces proves a major stumbling block.
– 2019 : Fragile peace –
After Dhlakama’s death in 2018, his successor Ossufo Momade takes up negotiations with the government.
On August 6 2019, the two sides sign an accord under which they formally agree to end military hostilities.
The deal requires Renamo fighters to either return to civilian life with financial help or join the police and army. In all, more than 5,000 Renamo members are required to surrender their weapons.
However, the agreement remains fragile. Presidential, legislative and provincial elections, in which both Renamo and Frelimo will take part, are due to be held on October 15.
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© Agence France-Presse
