1975 — Mozambique Proclaims Independence

On June 25, 1975, Mozambique proclaimed independence from Portugal after a decade of guerrilla war. In Maputo, FRELIMO leader Samora Machel became president and raised the new national flag, diagonal stripes of green, red, black and gold with the white cogwheel emblem, over a free nation before its people.

Five centuries of Portuguese rule ended on this day. That span is difficult to grasp: generations were born and died under colonial rule before this morning arrived. A decade of guerrilla war had brought the moment, but the raising of the flag made it visible, a new nation announcing itself in its own capital.