FADM and the other social side

Alberto Mudjadjo"

In terms of characteristics, “civil-military relations as a subsystem within the political system that develops through cleavages and tensions between the political and military spheres” (Zeca, 2020, p. 20). Meanwhile, Kurt Lang points out that “civil-military relations only have meaning when the institutional sector identified as military begins to differentiate itself from the institutional context of social order and begins to create problems” (Zeca 2015, p. 105). In turn, Kourvetaris (1986, p. 105) “characterizes civil-military relations as equivalent to the relationship between the Armed Forces and society”. Civil-military relations (CMR) in Mozambique date back to the period from 1960 to 1975, when it was immediately following the national liberation struggle, with the main objective of achieving independence. This period is characterized bythere is no distinction between the guerrilla forces and other sectors of the Mozambique Liberation Front;iimplementation of RCM forged during the National Liberation Struggle; sophisticated and harmonious RCM based on two pillars: the population and its “Armed Wing” (FPLM); and the achievement of the desired national independence. Then we find the second period from 1980 to 1990, which can be considered as the phase of the Armed Forces after independence. This period was directly influenced by the following factors:influence of the cold warand Apartheid in political and socio-economic development; the war of destabilization suppressed the euphoria of independence and the pillars on which the RCM was based began to bend; Mozambique experienced transition processes: liberal democracy; multi-party system; market economy; peaceful relations with neighboring states; constitutional review and accommodation of the Multi-Party System; beginning of peace negotiations and signing of the General Peace Agreement in Rome in 1992. Then we find the third period that goes from 1990 to 2000, this period is characterized by: implementation of the General Peace Agreement and creation of the FADM in equal proportion for the belligerent parties; conditions created for the successful holding of the first multi-party elections in 1994; a process honored as a brilliant example of national commitment and resolution of political differences; political engineering to respond to drastic and rapid changes in the national and regional order; the Armed Forces had to reassess: threat perceptions; their missions in the face of foreign pressure; internal policies; constraints. The RCM has dealt with a wide range of dimensions of civil-military relations, with emphasis on the organizational nature of the Armed Forces; military profession; budget allocation; the size of military establishments; the training and management of human resources in the Armed Forces; the legitimacy of civil and military power; among other structural aspects. The power of the military over civilians is crucial and decisive in the political life of democratic states, as long as civilians can control the military. In stable democracies, efforts are made to ensure adequate control over the Armed Forces. The Mozambican State has a recent democracy, dating back to the early 1990s. It is a democracy in the process of consolidation. The Mozambican State has a different political culture, national experiences, opposition groups and degree and needs for national security. Taking into account the ongoing democratic transition processes, a strategy for the RCM geared towards organisation must be guided by principles that contribute positively and constructively so that in the relationship between the military, politics and society, there is no usurpation of political power by the military elites nor the instrumentalisation of the Armed Forces by the political power, for the defence and pursuit of its interests. Just as the Mozambican State has managed to boost several areas of cooperation in the defence component, it has the potential to boost the area of objective and liberal RCMs, which promote peace, security and stability within its territory. RCMs are crucial to the stability and development of any country, especially in democratic regimes, as they involve the interaction between the civilian government and the military institutions, ensuring civilian control over the armed forces and promoting national security. A healthy and balanced civil-military relationship is essential for the defense of democracy, the maintenance of internal order and the guarantee of constitutional powers, since in democratic regimes civilian control over the armed forces is fundamental. This means that the decisions and strategic direction of the armed forces are taken by the elected civilian government, ensuring that the military institution serves the interests of society and does not become an autonomous political force. They also ensure stability and security, since effective RCMs contribute to political stability and national security, good communication and coordination between the government and the armed forces help to prevent internal conflicts and deal effectively with external threats.

2025/12/3