Southern Rhodesia, also known as Zimbabwe, has a long history linked to colonial rule, opposition movements, and a protracted struggle for independence. One of the key questions historians try to answer is, how did Britain bring peace to Southern Rhodesia?
The answer is complicated but includes a number of examples of diplomacy, pressure, and negotiations resulting in compromise. Britain’s role remains a significant influence in shaping the landscape of peace and independence.
Background of Conflict in Southern Rhodesia
Southern Rhodesia was a British colony established at the end of the 19th century. Most of the land and political power was controlled by white settlers; the Black majority were denied any rights or status. This led to a great deal of resentment and paved the way for political and military struggle.
Emergence of Nationalism
By the mid-20th century, there was an emergence of African nationalistic movements advocating for independence, promoting majority rule, and establishing political parties in Southern Rhodesia. The Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) were two of the major groups advocating for independence, but they faced resistance from the white minority leaders who tried to hold onto their land and political power.
Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)
In 1965, Prime Minister Ian Smith led his UDI government to declare independence from Britain without majority rule. The UDI was not recognized internationally, and Britain continued to assert that London still had legal authority in the territory. The UDI developed into tensions that led to one of the most violent conflicts in Africa, known as the Rhodesian Bush War.
Why Did Britain Get Involved?
The UDI created outrage across the world. Economically, the UN imposed sanctions against Rhodesia, and neighboring African countries supported the fighters in developing their nationalist movements. Britain, the former colonial power, was unable to ignore the rhetoric concerning their legal responsibilities concerning Rhodesia.
The Cost of War
The conflict had escalated into full-scale guerrilla war by the 1970s. As a result, thousands of people died in the conflict. The war was threatening stability in southern Africa and forcing Britain’s intervention on a greater level.
Diplomatic Responsibility
Britain lost direct control over Rhodesia after UDI; they were still viewed as the legal authority for Rhodesia. Britain was seen as the responsible negotiator whose role was to negotiate peace in conjunction with the supervision of Rhodesia’s independence.
How Did Britain Help End Conflict in Southern Rhodesia?
Step 1: Applying Sanctions
One of the first ways that Britain tried to weaken the Smith regime was by applying economic sanctions. These were designed to financially isolate Rhodesia and make it harder for the government to exert their authority. Sanctions did not end the conflict; they did punctuate the economy’s decline and the regime’s untenable non-acceptance as a legitimate government on an international stage.
Step 2: Promoting Negotiations
England continued to attempt to call for negotiations between the Smith government and African nationalists. Many of these negotiations did not lead to a political settlement in the 1960s or 1970s; they kept the idea of negotiation alive. England played the role of mediator and attempted to bring both camps to the negotiating table.
Step 3: Organizing the Geneva Conference (1976)
Britain planned a peace conference in Geneva, which they did in 1976. It ultimately collapsed with no agreement. It constituted a heightened sense of international interest in the conflict conversion. Furthermore, it revealed the extent and harmfulness of the schisms but also helped to lay the groundwork for subsequent solutions.
Step 4: The Lancaster House Conference (1979)
The most significant step taken by Britain was to organize and lead the Lancaster House Conference held in London in 1979. During this three-month-long multi-party negotiation including the Rhodesian government, ZANU, ZAPU, and Britain.
At Lancaster House:
- The warring parties agreed to a ceasefire.
- A new constitution was prepared that will reflect majority rule.
- Provisions were included to protect minority rights and land ownership during the transition.
- An agreement was reached, which allowed free election under British supervision.
This conference was a turning point in the transition to peace and an end to hostilities.
Step 5: Supervising Transition
After Lancaster House, Britain exercised its authority over Rhodesia temporarily to supervise the transition. To oversee the transition, ceasefire, and democratic elections a British governor titled Lord Christopher Soames was appointed.
Step 6: Election of a democratic Government
A few months after Lancaster house, in early 1980, elections were held under British supervision. These elections were accessible to all citizens, and the first time the African majority could engage fully in the elections. Robert Mugabe led his party the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) to victory.
Step 7: Acknowledgement of Independence
On April 18, 1980, Britain officially recognised the independence of Zimbabwe. The transfer of power was peaceful, and Zimbabwe was welcomed into the community of nations. The role of Britain formalised and legitimised the transitional process in Zimbabwe to the legal and lawful guarantee of an international actor. Consequently, a stable transition was successful compared to others in Africa.
Outcomes of Britain’s Role
Outcomes of Britain’s role are as following:
- Ending the War: Britain’s mediation ended the brutal war of liberation that had gone on for over ten years. The ceasefire and elections represented a new chapter for millions of people in Zimbabwe who were yearning for peace.
- International Legitimacy: Britain’s handling of the process ensured that there was an international legitimacy for Zimbabwe’s independence, which gave the new country respectability in the international community and opened up opportunities for aid, trade, and diplomatic relations.
- Protecting Minority Rights: The Lancaster House Agreement included a number of protections for the white minority, including those related to land ownership. This would become a contentious issue, and it allowed for a smoother transition at the time.
- Lasting Challenge: Britain helped achieve peace; Zimbabwe continues to experience challenges post-independence. Land distribution, economic problems, and political disputes continue to define the history of Zimbabwe in different ways. Many issues moving forward in Zimbabwe were ultimately rooted in Britain’s colonial past and its military past.
