Ethnic identity and political practices among the VaNdau of Mozambique

Abstract

This text presents a number of ideas on the process of the formation of an ethnic identity and a political praxis among the vaNdau of Mozambique. Starting by a short discussion around the concepts of social identity, social group, and ethnic identity, the article describes the historical process which led to the constitution of a social identity Ndau, giving special attention to the sedimentation of this identity, and its transformation into a political praxis, after Mozambique became independent. ln the latter context, it analyses in particular the relations of the Ndau populations with Renamo, then a rebel movement, during the period of civil war. In the conclusion, the focus is on the influence of the Ndau social identity on the model of relationship of these populations with the state, Frelimo and Renamo, and on the articulation of this identity with other social identity which are presently emerging, especially those of a regional nature.