xci. Underlying all this is the country’s dependence on external sources of funds which, while on the decline, still remains relatively high. Despite insistence by state stakeholders about the local ownership of the development process, there is no doubt that donors have been very influential in shaping Mozambique’s socioeconomic policies over the years. xcii. Given this high dependency on aid, there is no doubt that donors and lenders have penetrated each area and level of policy debate and decision making in Mozambique. This appears to create policy rigidities and reduces policy space. The CRM believes that Mozambique can lay a firm foundation for development if it follows the example of the “aid graduates”. These countries have succeeded in ceasing to be dependent on Official Development Assistance (ODA). The former ODA-dependent countries have vigorously pursued broad-based and diverse macroeconomic policies, which were critical to their development of dynamic processes of productive capacity and accumulation. xciii. Ultimately, sustainable socioeconomic development, redistribution and growth are crucial for Mozambique’s social and political stability. Determined efforts are required by the government and all sectors of society to accelerate and sustain the good start that has been made in promoting socioeconomic development and reducing poverty. 4. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES xciv. The major cross-cutting issues that featured prominently in all the thematic areas are highlighted below. A comprehensive approach is needed to address these issues, as they have wider implications for the various dimensions of governance in Mozambique. xcv. The 13 major cross-cutting issues emerging from this report are as follows: • Poverty and inequality; • Interwonenness of party, government and business; • HIV/Aids; • Land ownership; • High levels of illiteracy; • High aid dependency; • Information flow and paucity of data; • Inclusivity; • Crime, safety and security; • Domestic violence; • Capacity constraints and implementation challenges; • Elections; and • Corruption. 19