Addressing the undelivered promising of democracy in Mozambique : a transitional justice approach

Abstract

Mozambique’s transition from armed struggle to multiparty democracy was initially celebrated as a model of peaceful transformation. However, over three decades after the General Peace Agreement (GPA) of 1992, the country continues to struggle with the gap between the formal appearance of democracy and the persistent realities of political exclusion, weak institutions, and recurring violence. Employing a qualitative and doctrinal approach, this dissertation examines how a transitional justice framework can help address these democratic deficits. Drawing comparative insights from South Africa and Sudan, the study finds that post-conflict peace in Mozambique prioritised stability over accountability, leaving victims unheard and institutions unreformed. It argues that mechanisms such as truth-telling, reparations, institutional reform, and reconciliation are essential for rebuilding trust and legitimacy. Finally, it proposes that any future truth process must also address the Cabo Delgado conflict to ensure a holistic approach to confronting both past and present injustices.