Why Is Mozambique Part of the Commonwealth?

[CSL]

Just wondering, considering it was a Portuguese colony. I mean, I guess since the Portuguese were possible the worst colonial power besides the Belgians - which is saying something.

[Brendan]

Apparently Mozambique's the only non-British colony that was admitted:

"Only one member of the present Commonwealth was never attached to the British Empire or any Commonwealth member: Mozambique was admitted in 1995 on the back of the triumphal re-admission of South Africa, with support from Mozambique's neighbours, all of whom were members of the Commonwealth and who wished to offer assistance in overcoming the losses incurred as a result of the country's opposition to white minority regimes in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa. In 1997, amid some discontent, Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed that Mozambique's admission should be seen as a special case and should not set any precedents."