Afonso Dhlakama

ModernRevolutionaryMozambique1953 — ?

RENAMO leader who ended up contesting elections.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1953

Country

Mozambique

Era

Modern

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)43

Political (20%)48

Influence (20%)62

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)42

Strategy (15%)64

Total Score52.3

Afonso Dhlakama — Complete Timeline

1975 AD

Founded RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance)Political Action◆ Major

Dhlakama was a founding member of RENAMO, an anti-communist rebel group opposed to the FRELIMO government. The group was initially backed by Rhodesia and South Africa, and it launched a brutal civil war against the government.

RENAMOCivil War

Impact: nationaldestructive

1979 AD

Became leader of RENAMO after the death of André MatsangaissaPolitical Action◆ Major

After Matsangaissa's death, Dhlakama assumed leadership of RENAMO. He transformed the group into a formidable guerrilla force, expanding its operations across Mozambique and prolonging the civil war.

RENAMOLeadership

Impact: national

1992 AD

Signed the Rome General Peace Accords with the Mozambican governmentPolitical Action◆ Major

Dhlakama signed a peace agreement with President Joaquim Chissano, ending the 16-year civil war. The accords transformed RENAMO into a political party and allowed Dhlakama to contest elections.

Peace AccordsCivil War

Impact: nationalconstructive

1994 AD

Contested and lost multiple presidential electionsPolitical Action◆ Major

Dhlakama ran for president in Mozambique's first multiparty elections in 1994, losing to Joaquim Chissano. He continued to contest elections in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014, always losing, which led to periodic accusations of fraud.

ElectionsRENAMO

Impact: national

2013 AD

Returned to armed conflict after disputed election resultsWar◆ Major

After alleging fraud in the 2013 local elections, Dhlakama ordered RENAMO fighters to resume attacks on government targets. The renewed conflict lasted several years, causing casualties and displacement before a new peace deal was signed.

Renewed ConflictRENAMO

Impact: nationaldestructive