Mozambique's role in championing the Timor-Leste independence movement

October 16, 2025

The article explores the deep historical connections between Timor-Leste and Mozambique, two former Portuguese colonies located 10,000 kilometers apart. It features an interview with researcher Marisa Ramos Gonçalves, who discusses how Mozambique, after gaining independence in 1975, provided extensive support to Timor-Leste during its struggle for independence from Indonesia. This support included hosting Timorese resistance leaders, providing education and employment opportunities, diplomatic advocacy at the United Nations and Non-Aligned Movement, and financial assistance through a solidarity fund.

Who is affected

East Timorese resistance members (particularly Fretilin cadres) who received support, training, and refuge in Mozambique
Mozambican citizens who contributed financially through the Solidarity Bank
East Timorese students who received university education and job opportunities in Mozambique
The people of Timor-Leste whose independence struggle received crucial international support
Both nations' populations who developed lasting bilateral relations
International organizations and forums (UN, Non-Aligned Movement) where this solidarity played out diplomatically

What action is being taken

East Timorese continue to receive scholarships to study in Mozambique
Bilateral relationships between the two countries are being maintained
Marisa Ramos Gonçalves is conducting research on "Transnational histories of solidarity in the south" focusing on Timor-Leste and Mozambique
Gonçalves is interviewing Mozambicans from various sectors about their memories of solidarity with Timor-Leste

Why it matters

This historical solidarity represents a significant example of south-south cooperation outside the traditional Cold War framework
It provided crucial support for Timor-Leste's independence movement when Western nations were not condemning Indonesia's occupation
The support from Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking African countries kept Timor-Leste's cause alive at the UN when many countries abstained
This history challenges conventional knowledge hierarchies that place "global south" experiences at the periphery
It represents an alternative perspective on decolonization movements beyond the lens of superpower competition

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices