Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique is in southeast Africa. Maputo is the capital and Matola is the country’s largest city. Portuguese rule of Mozambique followed the journeys of Vasco da Gama in 1498, and the country became the People’s Republic of Mozambique and gained independence in 1975. Shortly after gaining independence, a civil war took place between 1977 to 1992.  In 1989, the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) abandoned Marxism, and the following year brought a new constitution providing for elections and a free market economy.  The UN negotiated a peace agreement in 1992, which brought about the end of fighting in 1992. That upheaval, along with large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa and a severe drought limited the countries development.

The country held its first multi-party election in 1994, and has since maintained a stable presidential republic.  Portuguese is the country’s official language spoken by nearly half its population. Christianity is the main religion followed by Islam.

The country is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Non-Aligned Movement,  Community of Portuguese Language Countries, and the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation, among other foreign relations groups.

Under the 1990 Constitution, Mozambique is described as a multi-party democracy. The President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers makes up the executive branch.

The Legal system in Mozambique is based on a mixture of Portuguese civil law, and customary law.  The highest courts in Mozambique consist of the Supreme Court, which is made up of the court president, who is appointed by the president of the country and a vice president, appointed by the president who consults with the CSMJ, and 5 additional judges, elected by the Assembly. The Constitutional Council, consists of 7 judges appointed by a mix of the president, the assembly and the CSMJ.  On a related note, the Higher Council of the Judiciary Magistracy is responsible for judiciary management and discipline.    A variety of lower courts service functions such as customs, maritime, labor and community courts.   In parts of the country that are rural and mostly Muslim, Islamic law may be applied.

The National Law Review covers news, stories, and related content about Mozambique, its relations with Africa, and international relations worldwide. Cases dealing with corruption, money laundering, international crimes, and African affairs, are among the topics visitors can read about online. Foreign policy news, and international relations with the US, and other regions of the world are also regularly covered by the National Law Review.