Mozambique: Chissano calls for a return to ideals of the liberation struggles – Watch

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Mozambique: Chissano calls for a return to ideals of the liberation struggles – Watch

1:57 CAT | 28 Jul 2025

Photo: Frelimo

Former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, called on the liberation movements of Southern Africa to return to the ideals that inspired the struggles for independence.

Speaking during the Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, Gauteng province, South Africa, Chissano advocated for closer ties with the people and the need to correct mistakes in governance.

The meeting brought together historic liberation parties such as South Africa’s ANC, Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, Tanzania’s CCM, Mozambique’s Frelimo and Angola’s MPLA. Joaquim Chissano was a prominent figure at the meeting.

In his speech, the former head of state acknowledged that these movements have shown signs of weakness, which has contributed to leadership failures.

[WATCH] Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano says liberation movements on the continent have deviated from their original mission to serve the people. He was speaking at a gala dinner in Johannesburg at the ANC Liberation Movements Summit. pic.twitter.com/DTbtHRDTEv

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 26, 2025

“It is crucial that we recognize that, over time, we have made mistakes. In many of our countries, we have witnessed the weakening of democratic institutions, the growing distance between parties and citizens, the appropriation of public resources by private interests, and intolerance toward dissenting voices. In the name of unity, we silence critical voices. In the name of stability, we close spaces for renewal. In the name of continuity, we fail to create spaces for the active participation of young people and women in decision-making processes,” Chissano said.

Chissano advocates for urgent change and the need to renew governance mechanisms. “We know that technology has advanced, and we have not kept up. Therefore, our combat tools need to be revised. And the way we connect with each other also needs to be revised. Thank God, we are in a region that has done very important things to cooperate,” he commented.

The former head of state also urged African leaders to reclaim the original spirit of serving the people, emphasizing that unity among leaders can be key to overcoming current challenges.

“Without forgetting just one thing: we are working for the people. In fact, we are the people. It’s not that we have another people. We must remember that we were born of the people and that we must remain with them. That’s the only thing we must remember. Thus, we have adapted the way to achieve this goal of improving the lives of our people. How do we do it in the circumstances we have today? There is no deviation if we think that way.”

This year’s summit focused on finding solutions to address the economic crisis on the continent. The Mozambican delegation also included the Secretary-General of Frelimo, Chakil Aboobacar, and te President of te Frelimo party and President of Mozambique Daniel Capo.

READ: Mozambique: Daniel Chapo calls for unity of ‘liberation parties’ against the far-right in Africa – Watch

“We’ve made mistakes.” — Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano.
Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano, who was the best man at the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s wedding to Grace in 1996, has delivered an incisive reflection and subtle criticism of… pic.twitter.com/759OfaJinN

— TheNewsHawks (@NewsHawksLive) July 27, 2025

[IN PICTURES] The African National Congress proudly presented Former President of Mozambique, H.E. Joaquim Chissano, with a portrait in honour of his outstanding leadership and lifelong contribution to the liberation of the African continent. The gift served as a token of… pic.twitter.com/Fhxq86IEPP

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) July 25, 2025

Source: O País