General information
First Active Year: 1977
Current Name: Renamo
Current Name full English: Mozambican National Resistance
Current Name full native language: Resistência nacional moçambicana
Original Name: Renamo
Original Name full English: Mozambican National Resistance
Original Name full native language: Resistência nacional moçambicana
Actor Chronology
This section contains information about (if applicable) group splinters, name changes, and alliances according to the UCDP definitions of these concepts.
UCDP has not recorded any Chronology Activities involving this group.
Conflict issues
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Conflict Goal Issues: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana (RENAMO), sometimes referred to by their English acronym MNR (Mozambique National Resistance), especially in the beginning of the conflict was a rebel group in Mozambique. The group was liberal in ideology principally objecting to the government of Mozambique’s centrally planned economy and what it perceived to be an oppressive regime. The first conflict goal issues located by the project were raised in 1979 and concern the establishment of democracy, reforming the economic system from a planned economy to an open market system, ousting the government, restructuring the military, religious rights, and land reforms. The expressed conflict goal issues changed very little over the course of the conflict. Though new issues were added as the conflict progressed (e.g., constitutional issues) they were generally in line with previously stated issues. Indeed, perhaps most notable was the addition of electoral fraud and opposition to elections as issues, especially as these issues were raised after the 1990 constitutional reform and 1998 election reform. Based upon the coded conflict goal issues, changing the political system into a democratic system was by far the groups most frequently raised issue and was continuously present since the start of the conflict. It was also intensely emphasized, perhaps best exemplified by what followed the clashes between RENAMO and police in spring 2013, and ahead of the upcoming elections which the group intended to boycott. RENAMO then issued a statement, demonstrating their commitment to democracy by declaring “Our struggle for democracy will continue, even if a further sacrifice such as that of the 16 years (the length of the war of destabilisation) is necessary”. It may therefore be seen as the group’s principal conflict goal issue. Other issues that also received frequent attention included ousting the executive branch of the government and restructuring the military forces.
Conflict Dynamics Issues: The first instance of a coded conflict dynamics issue dates back to the group’s first formal program of action in 1979. The group then highlighted the issue of military conduct with a pledge to abolish the governments re-education camps. Military conduct was an issue that RENAMO would continue to raise with some regularity along the adjacent issue of atrocities and abuses. Aside from the aforementioned issues, RENAMO also frequently asked for foreign intervention in the form of mediation or facilitation. As a whole any additional issues were largely similar in nature, compatible with earlier issues and not signifying that the group underwent any major changes. Of the coded issues, three conflict dynamics issues stand out as being particularly frequently raised and more intensely emphasized than others. First, RENAMO frequently alleged that the government committed atrocities and abuses targeting the group. In one such instance, at the death of its founder Orlando Cristina, RENAMO accused “Frelimo agents” of the assassination. RENAMO also frequently emphasized a willingness to invite foreign help, particularly in the form of mediators or facilitators, to aid in resolving the conflict.
Conflict Resolution Issues: 1984 saw the first coded conflict resolution issues. In September the group called for a ceasefire, with the leader of RENAMO, Alfonso Dhlakama, stating “'I have to come South Africa to try to negotiate a cease-fire arrangement with Mozambique”. The group then voiced opposition to negotiations and withdrew in early November stating that the then South African foreign minister Pik Botha was “an unconditional ally of the government of Samora Machel”. RENAMO would make several more calls for ceasefires or negotiations, though they also did voice opposition to such dialogue on several occasions, even flatly refusing an invitation to negotiate by dismissing it as “cynical”. From the issues coded by the project calls for ceasefire and calls for negotiations were the most frequently mentioned issues, persisting and being continually referenced throughout the conflict. Calls for negotiations were also frequently accompanied by demands or request concerning the structure of negotiations in terms location for the meeting or in requesting mediating help from foreign actors.
Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Autonomy, Change economic system, Change of administrative divisions, Civil rights, Constitutional issues, Corruption, CPS: Democracy, Cultural rights, Decentralization, Disband para-military forces, Economic reforms, Electoral fraud, Electoral reform, Executive power-sharing, Executive power-sharing: interim, Freedom of association, Hold elections, Human rights, Independence, Labor rights, Land reforms, Law and order, Opposition to elections, Oust full executive, Public services, Recognition as a political party, Referendum, Reform executive structure, Reform judicial system, Religious rights, Restructure military forces, Restructure police forces, Revenues from natural resources, Rule of law, Security sector power-sharing
Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Collective targeting: political, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Financial support, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: Humanitarian aid, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Recognition, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs
Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Amnesties, Call for ceasefire, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Call for negotiations, Compensation/restoration, DDR issues, National dialogue, Opposition to negotiations, Peace agreement implementation, Structure of negotiations
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1977
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1978
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1979
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1980
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1981
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1982
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1983
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1984
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1985
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1986
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1987
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1988
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1989
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Renamo - Civilians
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1990
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Renamo - Civilians
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
1991
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Renamo - Civilians
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Naparama - Renamo
1992
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Renamo - Civilians
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
2013
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
2014
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Group Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1977 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 200
Comment on Troop Size: In the first few years of the conflict, Renamo was estimated to consist of a few hundred rebels.
Secondary Support: In its early years, Renamo was strongly tied to Rhodesia, where the group was formed. The first rebels received training at Bindura, north-east of Salisbury (present-day Harare). Rhodesia also supplied Renamo with weapons and logistic support.
1978 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 200
Comment on Troop Size: In the first few years of the conflict, Renamo was estimated to consist of a few hundred rebels.
Secondary Support: In its early years, Renamo was strongly tied to Rhodesia, where the group was formed. The first rebels received training at Bindura, north-east of Salisbury (present-day Harare). Rhodesia also supplied Renamo with weapons and logistic support.
1979 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 200
Comment on Troop Size: In the first few years of the conflict, Renamo was estimated to consist of a few hundred rebels.
Secondary Support: In its early years, Renamo was strongly tied to Rhodesia, where the group was formed. The first rebels received training at Bindura, north-east of Salisbury (present-day Harare). Rhodesia also supplied Renamo with weapons and logistic support.
1980 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 500
Comment on Troop Size: In the first few years of the conflict, Renamo was estimated to consist of a few hundred rebels. After a period of growth, the chaos following Renamo leader Matsangaissa’s death in late 1979 led to defeats and surrenders, leaving Renamo with some 500 members in early 1980.
Secondary Support: In its early years, Renamo was strongly tied to Rhodesia, where the group was formed. The first rebels received training at Bindura, north-east of Salisbury (present-day Harare). Rhodesia also supplied Renamo with weapons and logistic support. Following Zimbabwes independence in 1980 and the rise to power of a government friendly towards Frelimo, sponsorship of Renamo was during this year taken over by South Africa. While Mozambican accusations of secondary support to Renamo were denied by South Africa at the time, evidence before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid gave details of South Africas involvement. Support included training at bases in northern Transvaal as well as provision of military and other supplies given in these camps as well as through monthly drops carried out by South African planes over Renamo territory inside Mozambique.
1981 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 5000
Comment on Troop Size: In mid-1981, Renamo was estimated to consist of some 5000 guerrillas.
Secondary Support: Following Zimbabwes independence in 1980 and the rise to power of a government friendly towards Frelimo, sponsorship of Renamo was taken over by South Africa. While Mozambican accusations of secondary support to Renamo were denied by South Africa at the time, evidence before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid gave details of South Africas involvement. Support included training at bases in northern Transvaal as well as provision of military and other supplies given in these camps as well as through monthly drops carried out by South African planes over Renamo territory inside Mozambique.
1982 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Comment on Active: In 1982, Renamo absorbed a small local rebel group in Zambezia, called Africa Livre. The movement had been waging a low-level guerrilla struggle against the government since the late 1970s.
Troop Size: 8000 - 10 000
Comment on Troop Size: In mid-1982, following two years of rapid expansion with South African support, Renamo was estimated to consist of some 8000 - 10 000 guerrillas. A Renamo leader in August claimed the group had some 12 000 armed men.
Secondary Support: Following Zimbabwes independence in 1980 and the rise to power of a government friendly towards Frelimo, sponsorship of Renamo was taken over by South Africa. While Mozambican accusations of secondary support to Renamo were denied by South Africa at the time, evidence before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid gave details of South Africas involvement. Support included training at bases in northern Transvaal as well as provision of military and other supplies given in these camps as well as through monthly drops carried out by South African planes over Renamo territory inside Mozambique. In 1982, Mozambique claimed some 5000 Renamo rebels were being trained in northern Transvaal. Meanwhile, Renamo fighters reportedly infiltrated Mozambique from bases in Malawi, but this apparently took place without approval from the Malawi government which underlined its desire to have good relations with Mozambique. It was further alleged that Renamo fighters operating in Zambezia province in the fall of 1982 were assisted by Israeli advisers.
1983 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 12 000
Secondary Support: Following Zimbabwes independence in 1980 and the rise to power of a government friendly towards Frelimo, sponsorship of Renamo was taken over by South Africa. While Mozambican accusations of secondary support to Renamo were denied by South Africa at the time, evidence before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid gave details of South Africas involvement. Support included training at bases in northern Transvaal as well as provision of military and other supplies given in these camps as well as through monthly drops carried out by South African planes over Renamo territory inside Mozambique.
1984 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 5-16 000
Comment on Troop Size: In 1984, Renamo fighters were estimated to number between 5000 and 16 000.
Secondary Support: Following Zimbabwes independence in 1980 and the rise to power of a government friendly towards Frelimo, sponsorship of Renamo was taken over by South Africa. While Mozambican accusations of secondary support to Renamo were denied by South Africa at the time, evidence before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid gave details of South Africas involvement. Support included training at bases in northern Transvaal as well as provision of military and other supplies given in these camps as well as through monthly drops carried out by South African planes over Renamo territory inside Mozambique. Under the Nkomati Accord, signed by Mozambique and South Africa in March 1984, such support would cease and the two countries promised to refrain from supporting rebel movements fighting the other. However, the Mozambican government in December accused South Africa of continuing to supply Renamo. Later investigations have shown that after the Nkomati accord, South African support became covert and it is unclear whether it was approved by the government or run by army leaders without the governments knowledge. A stockpile of arms sufficient for two years had furthermore been delivered to Renamo in advance of the Nkomati Accord.
1985 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: In the mid to late 1980s, Renamo was estimated to have some 20 000 combatants.
Secondary Support: During the raid of Renamos headquarters in August, government forces found evidence suggesting the rebels were still receiving support from South Africa. Under the Nkomati Accord, signed by Mozambique and South Africa in March 1984, such support would cease and the two countries promised to refrain from supporting rebel movements fighting the other. Later investigations have shown that after the Nkomati accord, South African support continued, but became covert. Further, in 1989, after de Klerk assumed leadership in South Africa, admitted to support for RENAMO until 1988, and promised that all such support would cease. A stockpile of arms sufficient for two years had furthermore been delivered to Renamo in advance of the Nkomati Accord. Meanwhile, South Africa maintained that the Mozambican rebels were receiving support from “international bankers, financiers and businessmen†located in countries in Latin America and Europe (believed to include Brazil, Portugal and West Germany). Moreover, in early 1985, there were rumours that the Comoros were involved in supplying arms to Renamo
1986 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: In the mid to late 1980s, Renamo was estimated to have some 20 000 combatants.
Secondary Support: While officially South Africa and Mozambique had a nonagression pact, the Nkomati Accord, that prohibited any support for RENAMO, later acknowledgements by president De Klerk confirmed that such support was extended (however, in a covert manner). A stockpile of arms sufficient for two years had furthermore been delivered to Renamo in advance of the Nkomati Accord. Mozambique also accused Malawi of providing safe havens for Renamo. While it was clear Renamo had bases in Malawi, however, it was not ascertained that this took place with government consent.
1987 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Comment on Active: In 1987, a split emerged within Renamo and a dissenting group broke away and formed the União nacional Moçambicana (UNAMO). The breakaway faction was led by Shona-speaking Renamo leaders, which led to speculations about tribalism within the rebel movement. UNAMO went on to carry out operations in Zambezia province.
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: In the mid to late 1980s, Renamo was estimated to have some 20 000 combatants.
Secondary Support: While officially South Africa and Mozambique had a nonagression pact, the Nkomati Accord, that prohibited any support for RENAMO, later acknowledgements by president De Klerk confirmed that such support was extended (however, in a covert manner).
1988 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance. In the early years of the conflict also known as MNR or MNRM (Mozambican National Resistance Movement).
Troop Size: 17 000 - 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: Towards the end of the 1980s, Renamo was estimated to consist of some 17000 -20 000 rebels.
Secondary Support: While officially South Africa and Mozambique had a nonagression pact, the Nkomati Accord, that prohibited any support for RENAMO, later acknowledgements by president De Klerk confirmed that such support was extended (however, in a covert manner).
1989 Group Archive
Renamo - Civilians
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Troop Size: 10 000 - 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: 20 000 reported, 10 000 trained
Secondary Support: A right-wing support network for RENAMO existed and consisted, among others, of groups within the 2 large Mozambiquan diasporas in South Africa and Brazil, a Portuguese businessman named Manuel Bulhosa, a small group of wealthy US businessmen, ideological conservatives and right-wing religious groups in the US and South Africa.
1990 Group Archive
Renamo - Civilians
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: 20 000 reported, 10 000 trained.
Secondary Support: Even though the South African government in 1988 announced that it would no longer aid RENAMO, there were still credible reports of arms shipments and training in 1990. However, the quantities decreased significantly. As the South African support began to decrease, Kenya emerged as the logistic rear base of the rebels. There were at least one military base on Kenyan soil in 1990, and arms purchases were shipped to Kenya before delivery to rebel-controlled areas in Mozambique. A right-wing support network for RENAMO existed and consisted of, among others, of groups within the two large Mozambiquan diasporas in South Africa and Brazil, a Portuguese businessman named Manuel Bulhosa, a small group of wealthy US businessmen, ideological conservatives and right-wing religious groups in the US and South Africa.
1991 Group Archive
Renamo - Civilians
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: 20 000 reported, 10 000 trained.
Secondary Support: There were continued reports of South African military support to RENAMO in 1991, but it became increasingly difficult to know if it was provided by the government, or by groups within the armed forces. As the South African support began to decrease, Kenya emerged as the logistic rear base of the rebels in 1990. There were at least one military base on Kenyan soil this year, and arms purchases were shipped to Kenya before delivery to rebel-controlled areas in Mozambique. However, there are no reports on Kenyan support for RENAMO during 1991, apart from a confirmation that continued material aid was given. A right-wing support network for RENAMO existed and consisted, among others, of groups within the two large Mozambiquan diasporas in South Africa and Brazil, a Portuguese businessman named Manuel Bulhosa, a small group of wealthy US businessmen, ideological conservatives and right-wing religious groups in the US and South Africa.
Naparama - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
1992 Group Archive
Renamo - Civilians
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Troop Size: 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: 20 000, 10 000+ trained.
Secondary Support: The right-wing support network for RENAMO consisted, among others, of groups within the 2 large Portugese-Mozambiquan diasporas in South Africa and Brazil, a Portuguese businessman named Manuel Bulhosa, a small group of wealthy US businessmen, ideological conservatives and right-wing religious groups in the US and South Africa.
2013 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Comment on Name: Resistência Nacional Moçambicana; Mozambican National Resistance, MNR
Troop Size: 250-700
Comment on Troop Size: Estimating Renamo troop sizes is extremely difficult due to the extreme scarcity in information, due the relatively decentralized nature of the group and due to an impossibility to clearly distinguish troops from members of the political party. Estimates speak of a few hundred fighters, partly from Afonso Dhlakamas presidential guard, partly remobilized war veterans. Some estimates suggest Dhlakama’s private guard informally consists of more than 700 men. Most of the troops are reportedly aged in their 40s and 50s.
Many of the weapons available to Renamo come either from old stockpiles maintained after the 1992 peace agreements or are stolen from government depots.
2014 Group Archive
Government of Mozambique - Renamo
Troop Size: 700-2500
Comment on Troop Size: The peace agreement to end the civil war in 1992 allowed Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama to keep a 300-man private armed guard. Failure to demobilize other Renamo fighters or integrate them into the national army encouraged many of these men to join Dhlakama’s private guard informally. In 2012 he was reported to have over 700 former Renamo guerrillas with him. During the upswing in violence during 2013-2014 it was reported that the numbers of fighters might have grown as high as 2500 men.
