Joaquim Chissano’s acceptance speech
Excellencies;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
I wish, at the outset, to express my sincere and profound thanks to the Prize Committee of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for awarding me the first Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. I commend Dr. Mo Ibrahim for his vision in establishing the prize. I accept the award with humility and great honour. I accept it as a tribute to the millions of women and men of Mozambique, young and old, for their untiring commitment to freedom, peace, democracy and prosperity in our country.
When I assumed the leadership as President of Mozambique, in 1986, the country was facing a war of destabilization that had devastated the country and its people. To make matters worse, natural disasters were severely affecting the country. There was a common understanding among our people and the leadership that the single most fundamental goal to be reached was the end of the war. We committed ourselves to end the war, build peace and transform the economy.
In this regard, we introduced the Economic Rehabilitation Programme, in 1987, in an effort to stimulate economic growth and transform our society. The programme included privatization of state enterprises and the creation of enabling legal and macro-economic frameworks for private investment, both foreign and domestic.
In 1989, a nationwide debate on constitutional reforms took place. A large majority of the Mozambican people were against the opening of the country to a multiparty political system. But, the leadership of the country felt that the new constitution should introduce multiparty democracy as well as market economy, and widen the rights of the citizens. The constitution was adopted in 1990.
Against this background, we intensified contacts and negotiated with the rebels. At the same time, we started talks with several Mozambican groups, living inside and outside the country. This included those that we knew were supporting the rebel movement of Renamo. Our aim was to bring all Mozambicans to the same track; the track that would take the country to peace, stability and development.
These efforts succeeded on October 4, 1992, when the peace agreement between the government and Renamo was signed in Rome. This agreement provided a window of opportunity and hope for the entire nation.
To give content to peace and to exploit the broad-based peace dividend, the rehabilitation, modernization and expansion of infrastructure, resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, as well as the social and economic reintegration of former combatants were carried out as a matter of priority. Democratic institutions were strengthened and gender mainstreamed. This exercise took place within a framework of national reconciliation, peace building and consolidation of political and economic reforms, and gave birth to a culture of tolerance and politics of inclusion.
In addition, priority was given to agriculture for production of food and cash crops by peasants, to boost the economy. As a result, and in spite of the severe floods in the years 2000 and 2001, the GDP grew by an average annual rate of about 8.1%. Although poverty continues to be the main challenge facing the country, we are confident that we are on track to meet most of the Millennium Development Goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Despite the fact that the Mozambican Constitution allowed me to run for a third term during the 2004 presidential elections, I decided not to do so. Consequently, I announced my decision not to seek for a third mandate three years before the elections. This was to allow the country to prepare itself for a peaceful transition.
My decision was largely influenced by the understanding that the country was in peace and the economy was steadily growing. Democracy was taking root. I realized the time had come and conditions were right to allow a new leadership to take over and push the country forward.
I am glad that my successor, President Armando Guebuza, has been consolidating the peace-dividends and has introduced new dynamics for social and economic transformation of the country. Indeed, progress continues to thrive in Mozambique.
Although I am no longer in the Government, I continue to give my support to the political, social and economic development of the nation, through the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, which was launched in November 2005. The three pillars of the Foundation are promotion of peace, social and economic development, as well as culture.
I continue to engage myself in domestic and African matters because I know too well how much still need to be done to uplift my country and our continent. Poverty remains a big challenge. HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis have to be eradicated. The process of nation building is yet to be completed in Africa. Peace remains elusive.
We need to develop and root in our societies a culture of peace. We need to promote regional integration. We need to encourage public-private partnerships and give a more robust role to our private sector. We must fight corruption and promote integrity and good governance. And we need to establish a sustained process of national dialogue and reconciliation in all the countries emerging from conflict. In short, we need to work towards building capable states in Africa.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
In conclusion, I am delighted to accept this award from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and honoured to be the first recipient of the Mo Ibrahim prize. The Foundation’s aim to recognize and celebrate African leadership is a noble one. I look forward to using the prize to do all I can to promote good governance in a continent that is changing rapidly for the better. I thank the Foundation and its Prize Committee.
I thank you very much.