JOHANNESBURG – Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano has warned that many of Africa’s liberation movements have drifted from their original mission of serving the people and now resist public criticism.
Speaking during a gala dinner hosted by South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg, Chissano told guests that some of the continent’s oldest ruling parties have become detached from the masses that once supported them.
The veteran statesman is attending the ANC’s Liberation Movement Summit, where parties from Southern Africa have gathered to reflect on their legacies, relevance, and future direction amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Chissano said some movements have allowed the weakening of democratic institutions under the pretext of maintaining stability. He urged leaders to use this moment to renew their commitment to citizens.
“It is crucial that we recognise that in many of our countries we witnessed the weakening of democratic institutions. In the name of stability, we grow spaces for renewal,” he said.
He called on parties to reform their policies and reconnect with the people in order to improve livelihoods across the continent.
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