A Cooperação bilateral entre a República Popular de Moçambique e a República Democrática Alemã entre 1979-1990

Abstract

This study analyzes the international cooperation between the People's Republic of Mozambique and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1979 to 1990, emphasizing its political, economic, social, and educational dimensions, rooted in a shared socialist ideology, this partnership aimed to strengthen Mozambique's development after independence and expand socialist influence in Southern Africa. The 1979 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation laid the groundwork for bilateral agreements, such as the employment of Mozambican workers in East Germany and the creation of the “School of Friendship” in Staßfurt, which trained hundreds of Mozambican youths, additionally, the GDR provided military and technical training to Mozambican soldiers and professionals. Despite significant achievements, the cooperation faced challenges, including cultural differences, internal political instability, and the pressures of the Cold War, the collapse of the socialist bloc and the reunification of Germany in 1990 marked the end of this collaboration, leading to the dissolution of agreements and the withdrawal of German support. This study highlights the strategic importance of this partnership for Mozambique's post-independence development and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the era.