This report on human rights in Mozambique has a twin focus. One set of concerns relates to the 17-year old war between the Mozambique Armed Forces (FAM) and the rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO). Both sides have been responsible for abuses, although the evidence shows conclusively that RENAMO has committed the large majority of gross abuses. In "Conspicuous Destruction," Africa Watch has tried wherever possible to make a broad assessment of the culpability of each side concerning each area of human rights abuse. The second focus in on the reforms instigated by the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) under President Joachim Chissano, under which the country is moving from an authoritarian one-party state to a pluralist political system, on the western model. Africa Watch evaluates the progress made by the FRELIMO government towards a democratic system of government which respects civil and political rights.