The decentralization process in Mozambique: between progress and setbacks

Abstract

The decentralization process in Mozambique began in 1994 and ended with the approval of the last legislative package in 2018. It was carried out by Frelimo from a conservative perspective whose main purpose was to limit the granting of possible political space to the opposition, especially Renamo. It was only since 2012-2013 that Renamo saw decentralization, and even federalism, as an opportunity to win some significant spaces in the management of power, at least at local level. From a multidisciplinary, historical, political, and legal approach, the research shows that Frelimo’s risk containment strategy was successful.