Synopses & Reviews
The political instability and violence in Mozambique during the 1970s up to the 1990s, provoked an unprecedented movement of Mozambicans, both within the country itself as well as across its borders to neighboring countries throughout southern Africa. Some 4.7 million people were displaced internally while 1.7 million others sought asylum in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Swaziland, and South Africa. Mario Azevedo, a former refugee, now a historian and public health expert, offers a comprehensive account of the conditions under which Mozambican refugees lived.
Most of the world outside Africa remained relatively unaware of the plight of Mozambican refugees. The Western media, in their reports on the situation, focused on the destruction of Mozambique's infrastructure rather than the specific experiences and sufferings of Mozambican refugees. When major humanitarian organizations at last turned their attention to Mozambique, the author argues that action on behalf of the refugees was swift and effective. Refugees themselves played critical roles in transforming a tragic situation into a triumphant one. In this book, Mario J. Azevedo rescues refugees from the enormous condescension of the past.
Review
[M]akes the reader aware of the great diversity of policies towards Mozambican refugees, both of international agencies, and of host countries. It addresses a fascinating subject.H-NET
Synopsis
The political instability and violence in Mozambique during the 1970s up to the 1990s, provoked an unprecedented movement of Mozambicans.
About the Author
Mario J. Azevedo is Frank Porter Graham Professor and Chair in the Department of African-American and African Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
Table of Contents
Preface
The Refugee Exodus and Methodological Issues
The War Factor and the Refugees
Education in the Refugee Camps
Economic Conditions in the Refugee Camps
Society and Refugee Life
Health Conditions in the Refugee Camps
Mozambican Refugees in Zambia, Tanzania, Swaziland, and South Africa
Repatriation, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation
Tragedy and Triumph: Overview
Appendix I: Compressed Refugee Survey Instrument
Appendix II: Photographs
Index