Mozambique's declaration of independence came after more than a decade of guerrilla warfare against Portuguese colonial forces, initiated by the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) in 1964. The war for independence was part of a broader wave of decolonization affecting Africa in the mid-20th century, where various nations began to challenge the legitimacy of colonial rule and sought self-determination. After years of conflict and international pressure on Portugal to relinquish its colonies, negotiations began in the early 1970s. The Carnation Revolution in Portugal in April 1974 eventually triggered a change in policy, leading to rapid progress in talks with FRELIMO.On June 25, 1975, FRELIMO officially proclaimed Mozambique's independence in a ceremony held in the capital city of Maputo. The leader of FRELIMO, Samora Machel, emerged as the first president of the newly independent nation. The transition was marked by widespread celebration among supporters of independence, who viewed this day as a culmination of their struggle against colonial oppression. The independence of Mozambique was celebrated not just as a national victory but also as a symbol of the decolonization movement across the African continent. It represented hope for nations still under colonial rule and inspired other liberation movements globally.The aftermath of independence posed significant challenges for the new government, as Mozambique faced economic difficulties and political instability, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, including a civil war. Nevertheless, Mozambique's independence marked a pivotal moment in its history, setting the stage for future political dynamics and social changes within the nation and in southern Africa as a whole.