How the Mogadishu declaration changed Zimbabwe’s liberation war

In 1969, a group of African leaders met in Zambia to sign the Lusaka Manifesto. This document made clear to the world that the liberation movements in Southern Africa preferred a peaceful path to freedom. It stated that if the colonial powers were willing to talk about the transfer of power to the majority, the liberation forces would choose negotiation over war.

However, the white minority regime in Rhodesia, led by Ian Smith, did not listen. Instead, the regime used the time to strengthen its military, pass more oppressive laws, and build more jails. This led to a major shift in strategy.

The liberation movement decided to move away from the talk of the 1960s and focus on intensifying the armed struggle. The Mogadishu Declaration marked this shift. The Lusaka Manifesto was a statement of principles rather than a military strategy.

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It expressed a deep desire to avoid the loss of human life. Point 12 of the manifesto made it clear: the leaders would rather negotiate than destroy, and talk rather than kill. This was a final offer for peace.

On this topic• The Battle of Ngwana: ZPRA veterans recall defining 1977 victory• From proscription to liberation: ZPRA’s role in defending ZAPU• ‘Unity Accord’s deeper promise remains elusive as Zimbabwe stays divided’ • The Battle of Ngwana: ZPRA veterans recall defining 1977 victory• From proscription to liberation: ZPRA’s role in defending ZAPU• ‘Unity Accord’s deeper promise remains elusive as Zimbabwe stays divided’ • The Battle of Ngwana: ZPRA veterans recall defining 1977 victory • From proscription to liberation: ZPRA’s role in defending ZAPU • ‘Unity Accord’s deeper promise remains elusive as Zimbabwe stays divided’ But the response from the Smith regime was a total rejection of majority rule. Smith famously declared that there would be no majority rule in Rhodesia, not even in a thousand years. Because the regime ignored the call for peace, the liberation movement and its allies issued the Mogadishu Declaration.

This document was the direct answer to the failed peace efforts of 1969. It told the international community that since the enemy chose violence, the people of Zimbabwe had no choice but to use the gun to win their freedom

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