Samora Moises Machel

Samora Moïsès Machel , 1933-86, president of Mozambique (1975-86). Machel joined the Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) in 1962, led its guerrilla forces by 1968, and in 1969 became president of the organization. In 1975, Frelimo gained power in independent Mozambique without elections, and Machel became president. Committed to creating a Marxist state, Machel was faced with extreme economic difficulties, including dependence on a hostile South Africa, unreliable Soviet aid, civil war in neighboring Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and a South African supported guerrilla resistance. Popular throughout his rule, he died in a plane crash.

Machel, Samora Moises (1933–86) Mozambique statesman. He led the FRELIMO WAR against the Portuguese (1964–74) and became the first President (1975–86) of the People's Republic of Mozambique. A Marxist, he nationalized multinational companies; he also allowed his country to be used as a base for nationalist guerrilla forces operating in RHODESIA and SOUTH AFRICA. Nevertheless, his politics became increasingly pragmatic, accepting Portuguese aid and contact with South Africa. He died in an air crash, which some believe to have been deliberately caused.

Machel, Samora Moises (b. 29 Sept. 1933, d. 19 Oct. 1986). President of the Republic of Mozambique 1975–86 Born in Xilembene (Gaza Province), he trained as a hospital nurse. In 1963, he went to Tanzania to join FRELIMO (Frente de Libertaçao de Moçambique). In 1964, he was made a commander, and in 1966 he became a member of its central committee. He resigned his supreme leadership over the revolutionary forces when he became president of FRELIMO in 1969. In this position he led the struggle for independence, and became President when that was achieved on 25 June 1975. He was a politician of strong principles, providing refuge for the resistance movements against the White racist regimes in South Africa and Zimbabwe, ANC and ZANU, even though this threatened his regime as South Africa supported the hostile guerrilla movement, RENAMO. Despite the difficulties caused by permanent civil war and economic hardships, his personal popularity never faltered. He died in an air crash over South Africa, and was succeeded by Chissano.