Following the 2024 elections, Mozambique’s incoming administration needs to break away from exploitative capitalism, embrace resilience and leverage natural resources for sustainable development.
By Florival Mucave*
In the coming weeks, the Mozambican Ruling Frelimo Party will convene the Party Cadres’Garden to select the next generation of leadership which are set to form the nucleus of Mozambique’s post-2024 elections. Whilst embarking on such a complex exercise, the party is reminded of the paramount importance of maintaining focus on the ideals of the liberation struggle and the core principles of independence. This includes the ongoing commitment to nation-building and the creation of a truly unified and inclusive Mozambique, where no individual is marginalized based on gender, race or religious beliefs.
Appointing the Next Generation of Leadership
The choice of the post-Filipe Nyuse’s Frelimo and Mozambican leadership cannot be a fluke or a stroke of luck, but rather, it must be a historically appointed confluence of events which can best be described as a political ‘force majeure.’ Under this doctrine of historical necessity, it is presumed that current President Nyuse will be a catalyst in passing the Mozambique’s political leadership baton into the safe hands of a reputable, patriotic, inclusive, committed and hard-working Mozambican, who would in turn continue building on the foundations of our forefathers – our liberation heroes. Therefore, the post-October 2024 Mozambican leadership is tasked to reverse the current socioeconomic situation, and pass the Mozambican economic and developmental torch on to future generations.
It is crucial that the next administration fully grasps the context of the country’s present and future direction as informed by its long-suffering past. The bearer of the revolutionary, economic and developmental torch would be doomed to fail unless he is willing to candidly confront the totality of the great achievements and gross errors of his predecessors. The lack of collective introspection would result in the upcoming leadership committing senseless mistakes based on a narrow interpretation of the Mozambican socio-political and economic landscape.
Confronting the Challenges of the Past
Mozambique’s history is marked by conflict. In most cities and villages, Mozambican families will testify that they have lost a brother, sister, mother, father or cousin during ravaging wars. These include the war for independence (1964-1975), followed by the 16 year-civil war (1976-1982) – instigated and financed by the Rhodesian and Apartheid Regimes before the Peace Agreements of 1992 – and thereafter, the faceless insurgency in Cabo Delgado Province. It is against this historical backdrop that a new leadership will be appointed in 2024. This administration will inherit the historical legacy of our forefathers and liberation heroes such as Eduardo Mondlane and Samora Machel. Concurrently, they have the unenviable task of Nelson Mandela, Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, Lula da Silva, to mention a few, who against all odds, succeeded in transforming their countries into tangible service delivery and economic benefits.
The incoming leadership will inherit a country grappling with bureaucracy and corruption, following years of disappointing governance. They will be seen as the stewards of nation-building, entrusted with fostering unity and a shared national vision. Additionally, they must address divisive forces such as tribalism, ethnicity, racism, and personality cults. After 49 years of trial and error, Mozambicans expect an enlightened leadership, that creates the foundations for sustainable peace and democracy, demonstrating unquestionable commitment to the country’s socioeconomic development, providing unified views while prioritizing education, job creation, an overhaul of the health system, business opportunities and other basic services to all Mozambicans.
Leveraging a Management-by-Objective Approach
The incoming leader faces a monumental task akin to conducting an orchestra. They must select the most qualified individuals to join their team, especially given the rising cost of living and alarming youth unemployment rates. This approach requires a management-by-objective mindset, with ministers demonstrating integrity, technical expertise, and resourcefulness to innovate in response to unforeseen challenges. The incoming leader and their administration must not continue with the current management style. It is crucial to address the issues of apathy, corruption, and nepotism within the civil service, as well as to streamline processes to attract much-needed Foreign Direct Investment.
Mozambique must break away from a failed doctrine of exploitative capitalism, including narco-capitalism and deceptive businessmen, which have eroded self-esteem and forced reliance on international aid. The transition to a new generation of patriotic and capable Mozambicans should eliminate oppressive dogmas, allowing for initiative, creativity, and entrepreneurship regardless of background.
As Mozambicans, we rightfully believe that our resilience, shown in overcoming colonialism and the Cold War, will help us tackle poverty and corruption. With abundant natural resources, Mozambique requires a strategic vision to leverage these assets and avoid perpetual indebtedness. It has been 49 years since independence, and 49 years of a dream deferred.
