In article 17, Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Mozambique Peace Process, Andrea
Bartoli discusses how Mozambique turned around to become a more peaceful country. The
country was under colonial rule by Portugal for over four hundred years and armed struggles for
over thirty years, before the country became at peace (Helmick et al, 2001). The article poses the
question of how peace was truly reached within the country. Andrea asks the following
questions: “Did forgiveness and reconciliation play a role during the long peace process that led
to the new political arrangement? Are they playing a role now? Can the Mozambique model be
exported and replicated? What was the role of the religious actors (Helmick et al, 2001)?” The
questions are meant to help justify the peace process used in the country and if it would be
effective in other countries who need to seek out peace. The article later reveals that the religious
leaders, actors, and entities played a crucial role in the process of peace both locally and
internationally.
Rhodesia was fearful of an independent country being let by native Mozambique. As
Rhodesia was afraid, they exploited the tensions internally to the newly independent state and
encouraged a guerrilla movement to challenge the authority of the Maputo central government
(Helmick et al, 2001). The Resistencia Nationial Mozambiqana (RENAMO) was the name of the
guerrilla movement. RENAMO used military tactics to prevent the central government from
asserting control over the entire country (Helmick et al, 2001). RENAMO’s recruitment strategy
made a mark on the entire population of Mozambique. Many individuals joined the military
forces voluntarily; however, the kidnapping of young males was very common. The RENAMO
asked several of the young men to perform violent acts in their own villages in efforts to sever
ties with relatives and friends.
An advantage of the Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Mozambique Peace Process
article is its instructions to move as a unit. Mozambique did not achieve their accomplishment
alone. It took the entire country along with support of their international entities. When working
to achieve greater success and peace in the United States of America it is important for use to
remember that we cannot put all of the efforts on our President and other politicians. We must
form together as a nation, citizens, world leaders, and spiritual leaders.
This article, like the others had a direct relation to conflict management. The moral of this
story is for nations to stick together as a whole. One political icon, one religious leader, or one
dedicated citizens cannot change the world we live in on their own. The article stresses the
importance of sticking together. All parties involved within conflict must be willing to overcome
it in order for reconciliation to be successful. It is impossible to have peace amongst multiple
parties unless every party involved is opened to the idea.
References:
References: Helmick, Raymond G., Rodney L. Petersen, and S. J. Forgiveness And
Reconciliation: Religion Public Policy And Conflict Transformation. Philadelphia, PA:
Templeton Foundation Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-1890151843.
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