Africa-Press – Mozambique. Joaquim Chissano University hosted, this Wednesday, the official handover ceremony of the exhibition ‘African Independence. Norwegian Solidarity’ followed by a roundtable discussion on international solidarity in its historical and current context. The event was co-organised by Joaquim Chissano University and the Norwegian Embassy in Mozambique.
Present at the event were His Excellency Joaquim Alberto Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique and patron of the university; His Excellency Haakon Gram-Johannessen, Norwegian Ambassador to Mozambique; the Honourable Rector of Joaquim Chissano University, Professor João Gabriel de Barros, as well as diplomats, academics, civil society representatives, and students.
In his speech, former President Chissano recalled that the struggle for independence also had a diplomatic front, with actions carried out in spaces such as universities, churches, and international forums. He underlined the importance of Norway’s political and material support to the liberation movements of Southern Africa, and the active involvement of Norwegian civil society in this process. He also referred to the continued bilateral cooperation over the past decades and highlighted the value of the exhibition as a tool for learning and reflection for younger generations.
The Norwegian Ambassador highlighted the origins of Norway’s solidarity movement in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by a social mobilisation against apartheid and colonialism. He emphasised that Norway’s foreign policy remains grounded in those same principles. Referring to the recent recognition by the Norwegian government of the State of Palestine, he stated that it was an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. He also noted Norway’s continued engagement in current crises, such as in Cabo Delgado, and called on younger generations to contribute to strengthening the ties between Mozambique and Norway. In his remarks, he stated that in the face of global challenges, the world today needs more — not less — solidarity.
The ‘African Independence. Norwegian Solidarity’ exhibition, commissioned by the Liliesleaf Foundation in South Africa at the initiative of the Norwegian Government, brings together photographs, documents, and testimonies about Norway’s involvement in the liberation processes of Southern Africa in the 1960s and 1970s.
Already presented in several countries in the region, the exhibition now becomes part of the permanent collection of Joaquim Chissano University.
Two thematic panelas
The roundtable was organised into two thematic panels. The first, titled “Solidarity for Peace: Mobilising Responses to Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises”, addressed the contemporary challenges of solidarity in emergency contexts, with particular attention to the cases of Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The second panel, “Solidarity with Principles: Balancing National Priorities and Global Responsibility”, promoted a reflection on the ethical foundations of international action, bilateral cooperation, and the role of international law.
The discussion featured active participation from students, who contributed questions and comments, enriching the intergenerational dialogue on the present-day implications of solidarity and diplomacy.
“What kind of solidarity do you want to practise in your time?” asked former President Chissano, addressing the students.
The exhibition is on display in the Grand Hall of Joaquim Chissano University, in Maputo, and is open to the public as a space for consultation, learning, and dialogue on the past and present of international solidarity.
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