Cults of Violence and Counter-Violence in Mozambique

Wilson, K.B.

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Title:	Cults of Violence and Counter-Violence in Mozambique
Author:	Wilson, K.B.
Year:	1992
Periodical:	Journal of Southern African Studies
Volume:	18
Issue:	3
Period:	September
Pages:	527-582
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mozambique
Subjects:	violence African religions cults civil wars Politics and Government nationalism Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/2637299
Abstract:	This paper discusses the presence of 'cultic', 'symbolic' and/or 'spiritual' elements in the organization and ideology of violent and counterviolent enterprise in the war in Mozambique which has followed independence in 1975. The justification for the paper is that the use of spiritual, magical, or cultic power by Renamo soldiers has rarely been systematically addressed. The paper demonstrates that in the context of a much-eroded State authority, an intense competition between Renamo, Frelimo and local forces has occurred for spiritually empowered agency, and that such agency has been part of 'progressive', 'traditional' and 'reactionary' programmes alike. The material and interpretations provided here are mostly derived from areas of northern Tete and (especially) Zambézia Provinces. Arguing that Renamo's violence is one of its central operational tools and has been elaborated for this purpose to become virtually a 'cult', the author examines ritualized violence against people and the destruction of property by Renamo; Renamo's cult of military prowess and the role of mediums; and Renamo's use of local wizards. The remainder of the paper describes three cults of counterviolence: those of local chiefs and churches, that of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and finally the most important, the Naprama cult of the now late 'warrior priest' Manuel António. Notes, ref.