March 1980- South Africa takes over as Renamos main external backer, a month before Rhodesia becomes independent Zimbabwe. 1982- Renamo pushed war through much of Mozambique. In November Zimbabwe sends troops to protect Beira Corridor. January 1983-Government issues first appeal for food aid as famine worsens. March 1984- President Samora Machel signs Nkomati Accords with South Africa, in which latter pledges to halt aid to Renamo.
War continues to escalate.
September 1984 - Mozambique joins International Monetary Fund and World bank. President Machel killed in plane crash, Joaquim Chissano succeeds him. July 1990 - First direct talks between the government and Renamo. 1992 - Mozambique, like rest of Southern Africa, punged into worst drought since early this century. July 1992 - Government and Renamo agree on guiding principales for humanitarian assistance pledging security for relief operations.