Navigation
Script from JavaScript Kit
The Conflict with Renamo, 1976-1992
«April-June 1981»
Dossier MZ-0020
16. Concern Grows at the MNR’s Resurgence
Reports and feature stories emphasised the Mozambique government’s concern with the MNR’s continuing activity in the rural areas, especially along the border with Zimbabwe, and with their ongoing attacks on undefended villages. One magazine stated that incidents of this kind had dramatically increased in recent months. Reports also surfaced of attacks on the power line from the Cahora Bassa dam. Repairing the line was a major government expense.
One cited official analysis was that the lingering presence was to be expected – the Cuban experience was cited as encouraging – and was fundamentally a problem of the lack of economic development in the countryside. However, this perspective ignored the overwhelming evidence of South African support for the MNR after Zimbabwean independence.
MHN Resources
◊ 4 April 1981
140 flee Mozambique fighting. Rand Daily Mail [Johannesburg], 4 April 1981. Click here to view or download a PDF, size 31 kb.
◊ 13 April 1981
Anthony Rider. The thorn in Machel’s side: rebels without a cause. Rand Daily Mail [Johannesburg], 13 April 1981, p.11. The newspaper’s Central Africa correspondent examines the genesis and effectiveness of the MNR in a feature article. Click here to view or download a PDF, size 215 kb.
◊ June 1981
Machel concerned at new SA-backed terror campaign as innocent people are maimed. New African [London], June 1981, p.34. Click here to view or download a PDF, size 171 kb.
◊ June 1981
Marcelino Komba. Mozambique’s return to arms. Africa [London], no.118, June 1981, p.52-54. Click here to view or download a PDF, size 376 kb.
Consolidated Downloadable Zipped Files
Click on the yellow folder image below to download an unsorted zipped archive of documents and press clippings in PDF format concerning the armed conflict between Renamo/MNR and the Mozambican government in April, May, and June 1981. Note: it is possible that materials have been added to this archive that are not listed above.
