Introduction

The question of whether or not Portugal could have done more to prevent fighting in its former colonies, Angola and Mozambique, has long been a topic of historical debate. This article aims to explore this issue by delving into the complex political and social contexts surrounding the period of Portuguese colonial rule and the subsequent independence struggles. Through an analysis of the roots of Portuguese governance and its post-colonial policies, this piece will offer a fresh perspective on Portugal's role in the prevention of violence and civil warfare in Angola and Mozambique.

Early Colonial Rulership

Before 1974, Portugal was under the rule of the Estado Novo regime, which was a fascist dictatorship established by António de Oliveira Salazar in 1933. This regime was characterized by strict control, censorship, and a lack of democratic freedoms. Portugal upheld its colonial interests through force, suppressing resistance and fostering an environment of fear. As a result, the idea of recognizing Angola and Mozambique's independence was not only unacceptable to the fascist regime but also firmly against their colonial ambitions.

The Portuguese Colonial War

In the early 1960s, tensions in Angola and Mozambique began to escalate as several liberation movements emerged to challenge Portuguese rule. Given the rigid and oppressive nature of the Estado Novo regime, Portugal found itself in a position where preventing violence was nearly impossible. The government's response was to escalate its use of military force, leading to prolonged conflict and significant casualties on both sides. The Estado Novo regime's repression ultimately fuelled the revolutionary fervor and made Portugal's presence in Africa increasingly untenable.

The 1974 Carnation Revolution

The year 1974 marked a turning point in Portuguese history with the Carnation Revolution, a peaceful and bloodless coup that overthrew the fascist regime and led to a period of intense political and social transformation. However, the revolution itself did not immediately resolve the issues in Angola and Mozambique. Despite the new administration's intentions to address past grievances and foster a path toward peace, the complexities of post-colonial governance made it difficult to implement policies effectively.

International Cold War Dynamics

The situation was further complicated by the global Cold War context. Both Angola and Mozambique found themselves caught in the middle of the ideological conflict between the Western and Eastern blocs. The Soviet Union and Cuba supported the liberation movements in Angola and Mozambique, while the United States and Portugal’s neighbor, Rhodesia, backed the Portuguese government and its military efforts. This geopolitical dynamic fostered a climate of violence and civil war, making the prevention of fighting extremely challenging.

Post-Carnation Revolution Efforts and Legacy

After the Carnation Revolution, the newly formed Portuguese government had a challenging task of steering the country away from its colonial past. However, the legacy of the Estado Novo regime and the entrenched conflicts in Angola and Mozambique weighed heavily on its efforts. Efforts to negotiate peace and establish an independent and stable governance in Angola and Mozambique were hindered by conflicting interests and the deep-seated grievances on both sides.

Conclusion

While Portugal did struggle to prevent violence in its former colonies, the complex interplay of historical, political, and international forces only partially allowed for intervention. The legacy of the Estado Novo regime and the Cold War dynamics made it nearly impossible for Portugal to fully address the root causes of the conflicts in Angola and Mozambique. Today, reflecting on this period, it is clear that a multifaceted and coordinated international effort was needed to prevent the violence that ultimately engulfed the region.

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