Supporting the peace process in Mozambique
On 23 June 2023, Mozambique officially marked the end of disarmament and demobilisation, reflecting a historic milestone for the country’s peace process. Mozambique is now seen across the globe as a model peace process, focussed on ensuring the dignity and reintegration of over 5,000 former combatants for longer-term sustainable peace.
Ireland is proud to have supported Mozambique’s peace process from the start through the provision of both finance and critical technical expertise.
Why does Mozambique need a peace process?
The Mozambican Civil War began in 1977 and lasted until the 1992 General Peace Agreement. In the years after, localised and low-level conflict persisted, until the signing of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation (Maputo Accord) in August 2019 following a nationally led process supported by a small number of mediators including former Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Mozambique, Mirko Manzoni and Senior Advisor Neha Sanghrajka.
The Accord has heralded in a new era of peace and stability for the first time since hostilities began following independence. The Accord commits both parties to a peaceful resolution of conflicts, and a range of measures, including the implementation of an agreed nationwide programme of decentralisation as well as the complete disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) of RENAMO’s former combatants.
Who are the Irish working at the Peace Process Secretariat?
Ireland’s support to the Peace Process goes beyond the work of the Embassy. Since 2017, five young people from Donegal to Dublin have worked at the Peace Process Secretariat in Maputo, working together with Mozambicans and bringing their own insight of the Irish experience and peace process to the Mozambique context.
The Peace Process Secretariat was established in 2017 as an independent diplomatic entity, entrusted with supporting the implementation of the peace process in Mozambique, providing technical and logistical support.
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD visited the Peace Process Secretariat in July 2023, where he had the opportunity to interact with staff, as well as to meet some of the former combatants and their family members who have benefitted from the peace process.
He also met with reintegration partners focused on building peace through Mozambican culture. Following his visit the Tánaiste stated:
“Ireland has a long history of working on peace building. It is a pleasure for me to see first-hand the important work that is ongoing in Mozambique and to learn of the progress made in the peace process and the completion of the critical disarmament and demobilisation phase.
“Ireland supports Mozambique’s peace process and remains committed to working with Mozambique, financially, technically and with key diplomatic personnel and a member of the Defence Forces - in support of inclusive reconciliation initiatives, that put human rights and gender equality at the heart.
“I want to pay particular tribute to the young Irish diplomats of the Peace Secretariat, who through hard work and dedication helped to facilitate the peace process and brought great honour to Ireland.”
Testimonies: As an Irish person, what does it mean to be part of the Mozambique peace process?
Aoife Murphy, Head of Office, 2017 – present
"For the last six years, I have had the unique opportunity to support work to build peace in Mozambique. Bringing learnings from Ireland, I’ve seen again that definitive peace and reconciliation have the best chance of succeeding when every voice is heard, and every perspective honoured.
It has been a privilege to work closely with several inspiring women including lead mediator Neha Sanghrajka and former Irish Ambassador to Mozambique Nuala O'Brien. Women, with their resilience and unique insights, are not just stakeholders but essential architects of lasting peace. I am proud to have contributed to this process that has been nationally led and guided by a human centred approach."
Aaron Cunningham, Communications and Private Sector Relations Officer, 2020–22
"Growing up in Donegal, I witnessed the impact peace can have on local communities. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 marked the end of a difficult period related to the conflict in Northern Ireland and laid the foundation for peace and prosperity throughout the country.
Over the last 25 years, we observed how peace contributed to economic stability and growth, reinforcing the belief that sustainable peace takes time and extends beyond social harmony, playing a crucial role in fostering economic prosperity.
When I joined the Mozambique peace process, I was motivated by our own journey towards peace. Working alongside a talented team at the Peace Process Secretariat, which included fellow Irish and remarkable individuals like the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Mirko Manzoni, and Senior Advisor, Neha Sanghrajka, was genuinely inspiring.
In June 2023, I attended the ceremony marking the end of the disarmament and demobilisation phase of the peace process. It was an emotional experience and a powerful reminder of the positive change that can arise when people come together with a shared commitment to building a better future. Having played a role in this exemplary peace process has been an incredible honour."