biography
| name: |
Machel, Samora Moïsés
|
pronunciation:
[mashel]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1933–86)
|
| biography:
| Leader of the guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule in Mozambique, and first president of Mozambique (1975–86). He studied at a Catholic mission school, and worked as a hospital nurse, rising to a senior position. He was commander-in-chief of the army of Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO) (1966–70), president of FRELIMO from 1970, and became president of the country at its independence. Although a Marxist, he established warm relations with Western governments, and attempted an accommodation with the South African regime. He was killed in an air crash over South African territory. |
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