7-10 September 1974 in Lourenço Marques (Mozambique). An attempt at white independence?

Abstract

From 7 to 10 September 1974, having learned of the content of the Lusaka Agreement between the Portuguese government and Frelimo, part of the colonial population of Mozambique’s capital rebelled against what they saw as a simple transfer of power to Frelimo. For four days, the occupied radio station called for revolt and support, especially from the special troops (who did not come). There were massacres of black people in the outlying neighbourhoods. The revolt was very heterogeneous, from the simple indignation of the colonial population at not being consulted to the ultra-fascist groups respon­sible for the massacres. The latter provoked a massive uprising among the black population, with the risk of indiscriminate killing of whites, which was eventually stopped by joint action by Portuguese troops and Frelimo. However, it is all too easy to analyse this movement as an attempt at independence ‘à la Rho­desia’. Instead, it was the dream of a ‘New Brazil’.