História e memória em Moçambique: disputa sobre memória na cidade da Beira

Abstract

The thesis explores speeches, celebrations and monuments that are part of the construction of the national history of Mozambique, as well as some more recent conflicts in this area. Reflecting on the data collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants and members of political parties, and ethnographic observations made during two years (2014 and 2016) in the city of Beira,-an area in conflict and experiencing political change, the survey reveals that the new political elites who rose to power from the municipal elections of 2013 are trying to control and contest narratives. In relation to the armed conflict between FRELIMO and RENAMO (1976-1992), there's the attempt to make a second version of the history as an officer and hegemonic, by renaming a square and the construction of a monument in honor of the first Commander of the RENAMO, André Matsangaissa, and also through the formalization of the Square of Peace. In the war between FRELIMO and the Portuguese Government (1964-1974), the commemoration of Heroes Day reveals that MDM challenges the hegemonic narrative sponsored by State, thus revealing the limits of solidarity thesis and strengthening the social cohesion of Durkheim.