In 1980, the Brazilian Minister of the Foreign Relations visited five countries in Austral Africa: Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Angola. These African States constituted the block of “Países da Linha de Frente” [Front Line States], created in 1977. This paper presents preliminary conclusions from my investigation on Brazilian Diplomatic Policy in the years 1970 to 1980 for Eastern Africa in the context of Apartheid. This paper specifically focuses on bilateral relations between Brazil and Mozambique. During this period, Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship that was interested in expanding dialogue and commerce with the Third World, while Mozambique was shaped by FRELIMO’s foreign policy as it transitioned from African socialism to a capitalist economy. Brazilian diplomatic policy broadened its dialogue with Mozambique by including more of its neighbors in Southern and Eastern Africa, and by supporting efforts among South countries in their fight against racism and imperialism.
About the Author
Vanicleia Silva Santos has a degree in History at the University of Bahia (UNEB); Master’s degree in History and PhD in History at the University of São Paulo (USP). She had a scholarship from CAPES, CNPq and Harvard University and she has acted in some positions, such as: visiting professor at UNEB, Foundation University of Tocantins and Buenos Aires University / Argentina; board member of the Brazilian Association of Black Researchers / ABPN (2012-2014); visiting researcher at the University Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique. At the moment, Vanicleia is an Associate Professor from the History Department of Federal University of Minas Gerais, FAFICH / UFMG), who teaches History of Pre-Colonial and Contemporary Africa (Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Programs in History). She acts as an editor of reviews for Vária História Journal since 2011, and coordinates both the Center for African Studies (CEA/UFMG) and the project of International Academic Mobility established between UFMG and the University Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique (2013-2015). Vanicleia acts as a member of the National Coordination of the Work Group of Africa History from ANPUH (2013-2015) and from the UNESCO International Scientific Committee for the Preparation of the IX Volume of General History of Africa (2013-2016).
A LUTA CONTINUA, 40 YEARS LATER 