Editorial 2024.3

Abstract

The 1960s mark a new era of colonial history on the African continent, a period in which the vast majority of countries became independent, the result of the process of struggles initiated since the end of World War II (1945). The territories colonized by Portugal that form the group of Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PALOP), had their independence markedly in the 1970s. In 1974, Guinea-Bissau became independent, and in 1975, it was the turn of Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The advent of independence in these territories marks the emergence of new dynamics, both sociocultural and geopolitical, generating national identities resulting from the colonization process and common anti-colonial struggles. Before this process, these territories were structured as kingdoms and empires with different social groups. In 2025, these countries celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their independence, which leads us to reflect on advances and setbacks in the PALOP.

The CEDEPEM Journal presents the thematic dossier entitled "Independences of the Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PALOP)", bringing together academic contributions that analyze the political, social, economic, and educational trajectories of these countries, highlighting their resilience, vulnerabilities, and potentialities in the post-colonial scenario. The articles in the Dossier reflect the diversity of approaches and the analytical rigor that characterize Strategic Studies and Marine Spatial Planning, central areas of this Journal's editorial mission. The dossier seeks to revisit the historical processes that culminated in the independence of the PALOP, by examining colonial legacies, contemporary challenges, and future perspectives for these nations. The interdisciplinary dimension of the published works—covering International Relations, Education, Foreign Policy, and Commercial Law—enriches the debate on the role of the PALOP in the international system and their connections with Brazil and other global actors.

The celebration of 50 years of independence is a symbolic milestone that invites critical reflection on advances and setbacks, as well as on the dynamics of cooperation and conflict that shaped these societies.

In "The PALOP facing the current systemic crisis: between resilience, vulnerabilities, and potentialities," by Kamilla Raquel Rizzi, the distinct trajectories of the PALOP post-independence are analyzed, highlighting factors such as political instability, armed conflicts, and social inequalities, but also emphasizing their geopolitical potentialities, natural resources, and cultural soft power.

Sabino Tobana Intanquê examines the role of education as an instrument of awareness and mobilization during the struggle for independence, contrasting the exclusionary colonial system with the educational experiences in the zones liberated by the PAIGC in his article "Education in the liberated zones: impacts and consistencies for the independence of Guinea-Bissau between 1965 and 1973."

The article "The independence process of the PALOP: an analysis of Mozambique's independence and its trajectory," by Amanda Silva Rêgo, explores the political and international dynamics surrounding Mozambique's independence, with emphasis on the conflict between FRELIMO and RENAMO and the bilateral relations with Brazil and the PALOP.

Sabino Tobana Intanquê and Carlos Subuhana evaluate the transformations in the Mozambican educational system after independence, highlighting efforts to overcome the colonial legacy and promote social inclusion in their text titled "Public educational policies in Mozambique in the first years of independence (1975-1981)."

In the text "Pragmatism in foreign policy: the independence of Angola and bilateral relations with Brazil (1960-2000)," Delmo Arguelhes investigates Brazil's diplomatic strategies during the Angolan civil war, focusing on the recognition of the MPLA and the pragmatic alignment with global powers. We thank the authors, reviewers, and readers for their valuable contribution to this volume. May this edition serve as an invitation to continuous reflection on the past, present, and future of the PALOP and their relations with the Lusophone world.