Chissanno was reelected to the presidency in 1994 ( 53.3 % of votes ) and again in 1999 ( 52.9 % votes ) , when he defeated the former rebel leader , Afonso Dhlakama . After winning re-election Chissano 's priority became poverty eradication but his efforts were complicated by a severe flood in 2000 . However , Chissano had a fundamental role in convincing the G8 to write off £ 22 billion of Mozambique 's debt in 2005 . Chissano chose not to run for a third term in the elections of 2004 , although the constitution would have allowed him to do so . During Chissano 's presidency , almost 3 million people , about 15 % of the country 's citizens , were removed from " extreme poverty " and the country achieved an economic growth rate of eight percent . In addition , child mortality rates for children under age five decreased by 35 % and there was a 65 % increase in primary school attendance
severe flood in 2000
2000 Mozambique flood
Joaquim Chissano