Africa and the Liberation Struggle in Rhodesia

The OAU’s Liberation Committee in Zimbabwe’s Struggle for Freedom

Oct 16, 2009

Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and the attainment of independence owed greatly to many external players. Among them were the OAU and its liberation Committee.

The 1960s marked a significant turning point in the history of African nationalism. The anti-colonial sentiment generated after World War 11 gathered steam during this period. The resultant “wind of change” which blew across the continent brought with it independence for many African colonies. The political map of Africa changed dramatically as new nations sprouted in rapid succession. Meanwhile, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which came into existence in 1963 added to this atmosphere of optimism.

In the context of the 1960s diplomacy, however, Zimbabwe was still a long way from independence. Angola and Mozambique which experienced a comparable level of oppression and apartheid broke loose from the colonial yoke in 1974 through a fierce guerrilla struggle with Portugal. This path of violence seemed the only way out for Zimbabwe. In walking this road, Zimbabwe received the complete support of African states and the OAU.

The OAU’s Liberation Committee at work in Zimbabwe

Born in an environment of chaos, and with a cardinal objective to end colonial rule in Africa, the OAU immediately created its Liberation Committee whose aim was to offer direct military assistance to African liberation forces resisting colonial rule. The OAU and its Liberation Committee therefore became actively involved in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

As the conflict intensified in Zimbabwe, the OAU’s Liberation Committee coordinated moral and material support to Rhodesian nationalists. It encouraged member states to offer bases, training and materials to the guerrillas while it put up a strong diplomatic offensive in favor of independence for black Zimbabweans. The Liberation Committee threatened to withdraw financial support if ZAPU did not become more active in the war. As a result, ZAPU guerrillas infiltrated enemy territory across the Zambezi.

At the diplomatic level, the OAU missed no opportunity to raise the Zimbabwe issue at international conferences. In 1973 for example, General Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria raised the Zimbabwe problem at the UN. Alongside Britain, U.S and UN, he condemned the Internal Settlement of 1978 which would have given advantages to the white minority government of Ian Smith. The OAU was a key player at the Lancaster Conference of 1979 which discussed the modalities for the transfer of power in Zimbabwe.

Support for Zimbabwe’s Course from Individual African States and Institutions

While the OAU carried the flag of African support for Rhodesian nationalists, individual countries and institutions also channeled support at bilateral and multi-lateral levels. The Frontline States for example coordinated their efforts in the fight against apartheid. Many African countries also used the Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movements as platforms to voice concern over the situation in Zimbabwe.

At individual levels, Zimbabwe benefited tremendously from its neighbors both far and near. The independence of Angola and Mozambique released resources that were placed in the hands of black fighters. ZANU guerrillas operated freely from bases in Tanzania, Mozambique and Botswana. Such assistance was invaluable in determining the outcome of the liberation struggle.

South African Support for Ian Smith's Illegal Regime

While the entire African continent opposed apartheid and white oppression in Rhodesia, the racist government of John Vorster in South Africa worked from the opposite direction. Pretoria struggled very hard to frustrate all moves towards black majority government. In an effort to create another apartheid regime next to his doorsteps, Vorster stretched his economic, diplomatic and military might to the limit. This could, however, not stand the weight of African support for black nationalists in Zimbabwe.

Despite the conflict of interest that characterized the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe, nationalism triumphed over colonialism and apartheid. This struggle posed one of the greatest challenges to Africa as a continent and the OAU as a pan-African institution. Upon its demise at the beginning of the 21st century, the OAU counted Zimbabwe as one of its greatest success stories.

Fowale, Tongkeh Joseph. “The Politics of Land Reforms in Zimbabwe 1980-2005: International Responses,” 2007.

Patel, Hasu H and H. H. K Bhila. “The Last Becomes the First: The Transfer of Power in Zimbabwe,” in Decolonization and African Independence: The Transfer of Power, 1960-1980. 1980

The copyright of the article Africa and the Liberation Struggle in Rhodesia in African Colonialism is owned by Tongkeh Joseph Fowale. Permission to republish Africa and the Liberation Struggle in Rhodesia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.