This book explores the complexity of peacebuilding in Mozambique following its devastating 16-year war. While international efforts aimed to establish a stable market democracy, this book reveals how the country’s post-war journey has been marred by recurring violence and the rise of authoritarian governance. Drawing on extensive qualitative research of historical and contemporary challenges, the book transcends traditional critiques of liberal peacebuilding by navigating the intersection of liberal ideals and authoritarian practices. It meticulously examines how Mozambique’s leadership has outwardly embraced liberal strategies such as dialogue, decentralisation and entrepreneurship while simultaneously deploying authoritarian tactics to maintain control. Through this dual approach, the book argues, Mozambique has developed a form of "contested peace" marked by violence, instability and unpredictability. This book offers theoretical contributions and empirical insights to scholars, students, and practitioners. It sheds light on the delicate balance between liberal and authoritarian governance and provides a fresh perspective on how peace can be achieved—and lost—in post-conflict nations.

Manuel Francisco Sambo holds a PhD in Global Society Studies from Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan. His research focuses on peace, conflicts, and security in Southern and Eastern Africa and global politics. Sambo’s main publications include “The Premises, Promises, and Pitfalls of Resilience in Peacebuilding Theory” (Peace Review, 2024), “Autocratisation and Peacebuilding in Mozambique (2012-2019): Towards Illiberal Peace?” (Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, 2023), and “Frictions and Hybridity in Mozambique’s Post-War Peacebuilding: From Civil War to Precarious Peace” (African Security Review, 2023). Previously, Sambo served as a Teaching Assistant for Peace and Conflict Studies and Human Security Studies at Doshisha University and as a Lecturer on International Development Cooperation at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Japan. Currently, he works on the prevention of violent extremism in East and Southern Africa at the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), based in Switzerland (Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this book are personal and do not represent those of GCERF).