Flag of Mozambique – Colors, Meaning, History 🇲🇿

The flag of Mozambique was adopted on May 1, 1983, as a symbol of independence from Portuguese rule and the mark of a sovereign nation. The flag is a reminder of the history of Mozambique and its struggle for liberation. However, the flag has sparked controversy as it is the only flag in the world with an AK-47 image.

Table of Contents

• History of the Flag of Mozambique
• What is the meaning behind the colors of the Flag of Mozambique
• Interesting Facts about the Flag of Mozambique

History of the Flag of Mozambique

Mozambique was under Portuguese rule from 1498 to 1975. At the time, the flag of Portuguese was used in the country. This flag consisted of vertical colored stripes of red and green, with red taking the more substantial portion. Green appeared from the left, and at the point where the two lines meet was the Portuguese insignia. However, a flag for the Portuguese Mozambique territory was proposed. This flag was similar to that of the Portuguese, with the only difference being an added Portuguese Coat of Arms at the bottom part of the red stripe.

When the Portuguese ruled Mozambique, they leased large tracts of territory to other trading companies in a bid to advance their economic goals. The companies had little regard for the locals and used them as forced labor. Different territories were administered differently, but in 1932, Portugal changed its tactic and imposed direct rule. However, this did little to improve the condition of the people but led to the massive immigration of foreigners into the country. The Portuguese colonial tactic of internal protection crippled industrialization and the development of the country. This triggered a liberation war that lasted over a decade. By the time the country was preparing for independence, Mozambique was already in chaos.

In late 1974, as the country was about to gain independence through the Mozambique African Liberation Movement (FRELIMO) party. A new flag that consisted of dark green, black, and yellow horizontal colors with a white border on the black stripe and a red triangle on the left-hand side of the hoist was adopted. This flag was recognized as the pre-independence flag of Mozambique and was similar to that of FRELIMO. From 1975 to 1983, a new flag was adopted, which consisted of the colors dark green, red, black, and yellow, appearing as rays emanating from the upper left corner. The black and red stripe consisted of a white border. On the top left-hand side was a white insignia with a hoe, a gun, and a book as well as a red five-pointed star. The star appearing on the flag was a symbol of Marxism. FRELIMO viewed Marxism as evolutionary. The party called out for the people to “defend the fatherland, overcome underdevelopment and build socialism.” However, Marxism was short-lived in the country as FRELIMO faced a powerful rebel group known as Renamo. The colors of this new flag were adopted from the South African National Congress. The two countries share a deep political, social, and cultural ties.

Mozambique adopted a temporary flag in 1983, which was similar to the earlier version, with the difference being the appearance of the colors and the location of the emblem. The colors were placed horizontally, and on the left side was a red triangle with the symbol within it. The flag was changed in the same year, and Marxist star removed. However, every other feature remained the same. In 2005, there was a competition for the design of a new flag. Over 100 entries were obtained, and a proposed flag was identified. However, up to date, no change has been implemented.

What is the meaning behind the colors of the Flag of Mozambique

Colors
The official meaning of the colors is as follows:

• Red represents the struggle for independence.
• Green symbolizes the country’s fertile land.
• Black represents the African Continent.
• Yellow symbolizes the country’s abundant mineral resources.
• White represents peace and the justice of the people of Mozambique as well as the geography of the country.

Emblem
The emblem consists of an AK-47 and a hoe crossing the gun and an open book. The gun symbolizes vigilance whereas the book symbolizes education and its essential role in the progression of the country. The hoe is a symbol of agriculture. The rifle is a sign of defense and vigilance, as well as FRELIMO. At the backdrop of the gun, hoe, and book is a yellow five-pointed star. The star represents internationalism and Marxism.

Shape
The width to length ratio of the flag is 2:3. The horizontal bands are all equal, whereas the white borders constitute 1/10th of the width of the flag. The red triangle forms 3/7th of the width.

Interesting Facts about the Flag of Mozambique

• The opposing party in Mozambique continues to advocate for a change in the country’s flag, arguing that it represents violence and civil war. However, the ruling party has so far refused to change the flag.
• The Coat of Arms of the country still retains the Marxist symbol of the star. The cogwheel on the coat of arms represents the industry. The AK-47, the hoe, and the book are also there. Underneath the ribbon in the coat of arms is the name of the country. The corn stalk and the sugar cane symbolize agricultural wealth.
• Mozambique is among other countries such as Bolivia and Guatemala, with a weapon on their flag. The gun has been on the flag since 1975.
• Critics of the flag are against the yellow star as it is a reminder of the country’s painful memory with Marxism. Also, some are against the rifle as it represents the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
• For a short period, the flag of FRELIMO flew side by side with the flag of Portugal.
• Two years after independence, the country descended into civil war. As a result of the bitter turmoil that ensued after the war, a majority of people view the flag as a reminder of their painful past and their struggles.
• In 2005, one of the winning flags during the competition replaced the rifle with a red ball. It was designed by Jose Forjaz. He stated that he included the ball to represent bloodshed. He viewed the replacement of the ball as a more progressive version of the flag compared to its current state.

Do you know any other interesting facts about the flag of Mozambique? Share your thoughts below.