Mozambique

Between March and December 2007, the Civil Society Index was implemented in Mozambique by the Foundation for Community Development (FDC), with the international coordination of CIVICUS. This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.

Mozambique Civil Society Within: Evaluation, Challenges, Opportunities and Action  

Over that period, the CIVICUS Civil Society Index (CSI) found that civil society plays a fundamental role in governance and development in the country. Nevertheless, its ability to participate in these processes is often hampered by several internal and external factors. The findings conclude that Mozambican civil society has weak structure and values, and operates in a constrained environment. Structurally, the main weaknesses are due to limited human and financial resources available to CSOs.

In terms of values, the weaknesses relate to transparency, gender equity and diversity. While the environment in which Mozambican civil society operates has improved, citizens are hindered in the exercise of their rights and the state is at times undemocratic and marred by an inefficient bureaucracy. The report reckons that any improvement in the dimensions of structure and environment needs to be accompanied by the promotion of values such as participatory democracy, inclusivity, transparency, tolerance, and non-violence. This will in turn increase society’s confidence in civil society and improve the currently low levels of impact of civil society on governance and fundamental developmental challenges in the country.

CSI Country Reports in Mozambique