Zimbabwe

In June 1979 it seemed likely that the newly elected Conservative government would recognise the ‘internal settlement’ in Zimbabwe. This leaflet publicised a demonstration opposing recognition and calling for support for the liberation movement. The main speaker was Patriotic Front (ZAPU) Vice-President Josiah Chinamano.

In the summer of 1979 the AAM campaigned to stop the Conservative government elected in May 1979 from recognising the Muzorewa government in Zimbabwe. This poster was produced for the AAM rally and march through central London on 30 June calling for genuine independence in Zimbabwe under the leadership of the Zimbabwean Patriotic Front.

Police horses outside Rhodesia House in the Strand during the AAM’s march and rally in central London on 30 June 1979. The AAM urged the  newly elected Conservative government not to recognise the Muzorewa government in Zimbabwe.

The platform in Trafalgar Square at a rally organised by the AAM on 30 June 1979 held to urge the newly elected Conservative government not to recognise the Muzorewa government in Zimbabwe.

Demonstrators marched from Lancaster House to Central Hall, Westminster, on 10 September 1979, the opening day of talks about a settlement on Zimbabwe. They were supporting the settlement proposals put forward by the Zimbabwe Patriotic Front for democratic elections and the release of all political prisoners. After lengthy negotiations, elections were held in February 1980. They were won by the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front under the leadership of Robert Mugabe.

Labour MP Joan Lestor with the AAM’s Chair Bob Hughes MP and Hon. Secretary Abdul Minty at the Commonwealth Conference in Lusaka, September 1979. They presented a Declaration signed by British organisations representing over 7 million people appealing to the Commonwealth to reaffirm its commitment to genuine independence for the people of Zimbabwe.

Leafleting publicising a teach-in on the conditions that must be met for the Lancaster House talks to reach an acceptable settlement.

Talks on a settlement in Zimbabwe opened at Lancaster House in London in September 1979. This leaflet argued that only a genuine transfer of power could bring peace and an end to the guerrilla war. It called for the maintenance of sanctions and for no recognition of the ‘internal settlement’ agreed in March 1978.