During the Civil War, crimes against humanity and human rights were severe. Part of RENAMO’s war strategy was to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in order to weaken the opposing party. These crimes included mass killings, rape and mutilation of civilians, forcing children and civilians into employment as soldiers. The public resented RENAMO for the brutal crimes they committed, they named them “Armed Bandit’s”, and promoted their hate for the party by encouraging beatings against them.