Muslims and Politics in Postcolonial Mozambique

Abstract

Introduction: This is a collection of previously published articles addressing the relationship between the post-colonial state under the Frelimo government and Muslims of Mozambique. The book aims at understanding the state’s policies towards religion and secularity, the formation of Muslim elites and counter-elites, and inter-religious and inter-Muslim competition and conflicts between 1975 and 2022. The last chapter of the book attempts to provide a historical interpretation for the origins and evolution of the current jihadi insurgency in Cabo Delgado. Although some important research on Islam in Mozambique has been done in recent years, including by Daria Trentini, Christian Laheij, Chapane Mutiua, Mário Machaqueiro and myself, among others, this is a welcome publication because the general scope of the research on this topic still remains scarce as compared to other regions of Africa and the world.