8 January 2009
Maputo — The Mozambican government has decided to proclaim 2009 as a year of homage to Eduardo Mondlane, the founder of Mozambican nationalism, Education Minister Aires Aly told a Maputo press conference on Thursday.
2009 has been chosen since this year sees the 40th anniversary of Mondlane's death. Mondlane, generally regarded as the architect of Mozambican national unity, founded the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) in 1962. He was murdered on 3 February1969, by a parcel bomb sent by the Portuguese secret police, the PIDE.
Aly urged all political parties, civil society organisations, academic institutions and society at large to participate in the commemorations that will be held during the year. "Eduardo Mondlane is praised for his contribution to unifying and mobilising Mozambicans, in establishing the conditions for launching the armed national liberation struggle, for his wise leadership of the struggle to win national independence, and for his commitment to the cause of the Mozambican people", said Aly.
There will be two pivotal moments during the year. The celebrations will be launched on 3 February, the anniversary of Mondlane's assassination, at his home village of Mwadjahane, in the southern province of Gaza, in a ceremony chaired by President Armando Guebuza.
The second key moment will be on Mondlane's birthday, 20 June. In addition to the central events chaired by Guebuza, provinces, districts and communities are urged to hold their own initiatives to pay homage to Mondlane.
Aly said that 2009 should also be a year to reflect upon the history of the liberation struggle, to strengthen Mozambican self-esteem and patriotism, and to take inspiration from Mondlane for the struggle against poverty.
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