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Afrika Wassa · Vieux Diop

Afrika Wassa

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Released on: 2002-06-25

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Thursday, June 13th 1974.

Footage of Samora Machel, the leader of FRELIMO (Frente de Libertação/Mozambique Liberation Front), the African guerrilla movement then seeking independence from Portugal rejecting a peace proposal from the new Portuguese government, a military regime which had overthrown the right-wing authoritarian Estado Novo regime on April 25th 1974.

Speaking at an OAU Summit in Mogadishu, Somalia, Machel described Portuguese colonialism in southern Africa as "the most decadent and corrupt form of foreign domination."

Reuters Text:

The leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), Mr. Samora Machel, rejected the proposals out of hand. He said the portuguese proposals - which include a referendum and the pledge of self-determination -- were insults to the people of Mozambique.

Mr. Machal described Portugal's policies in Mozambique as "the most decadent and corrupt forms of foreign domination", and he claimed conditions were now favourable for their destruction. The guerrilla leader said constant work by Frelimo had alerted the masses to the justice of their cause and their battle against the Portuguese. Although the territory was still under military occupation, " the manifestations" in all urban centres had demonstrated the solidarity of the Mozambique people.

Without distinction, the people - of all races, ethnic groups, religious beliefs and social origins - were demanding national independence and total adherence to the principles and programmes of Frelimo. Mr. Machel said the determination and unity was forged in clandestine battle, in suffering and in torture, in prison and in concentration camps". He said the ten-year guerrilla war, directed by Frelimo, had strengthened the determination and unity of the Mozambique people against "colonialist aggression." Later in his speech, Mr. Machel referred to the dialogue now under way between Frelimo and the Portuguese Government.

He said it could not develop into proper negotiations until Portugal recognised Mozambique's right to total and absolute independence. He added that Frelimo would also have to be recognised as the Mozambique people's legitimate representative.

Source: Reuters News Archive.