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Between two shores: The ‘Monhés,’ nationality, and a sense of belonging in Mozambique

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 28/10/2026, 12:00:27 UTC.

Briefings

Mozambique's 1975 Nationality Law transformed Indian-origin families into citizens, yet many remained stateless due to complex legal criteria. The term 'Monhé' is a cultural identity marker, not a legal one, complicating everyday understanding of belonging. Evidence covers the period from colonial trade networks to post-independence legal shifts, highlighting the tension between historical presence and modern citizenship status.

Key points

• The 1975 Nationality Law of Mozambique legally recognized Indian-origin families as citizens, ending their status as foreign nationals under colonial rule.
• Many Indian-origin families in Mozambique remained stateless after independence because their legal status depended on specific criteria like place of birth and family links that were not uniformly applied.

Context

Mozambique's 1975 Nationality Law transformed Indian-origin families into citizens, ending their status as foreign nationals under colonial rule. The term Monhé is a cultural identity marker, not a legal one, complicating everyday understanding of belonging.

Limitations

Evidence covers the period from colonial trade networks to post-independence legal shifts. Specific legal criteria for statelessness are not fully detailed, and the extent of statelessness among Indian-origin families remains partially unverified.

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