The 8th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement: Harare, 1986

On September 1, 1986, the 8th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) commenced in Harare, Zimbabwe. This summit gathered leaders from member states to address pressing global and regional issues with a focus on promoting economic cooperation among developing countries and advocating for the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Background

The Non-Aligned Movement, established in 1961, was a group of states not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc during the Cold War. The movement aimed to promote independence, sovereignty, and non-alignment with great powers, fostering a platform for cooperation among developing countries.

Key Issues and Discussions

Economic Cooperation

One of the central themes of the Harare Summit was enhancing economic collaboration among member states. The leaders underscored the importance of collective self-reliance and the need to establish a new international economic order that is just and equitable. Discussions included strategies to reduce dependency on developed countries and enhance economic ties within the Global South. This was part of a broader effort to mitigate the adverse effects of economic crises affecting many developing nations.

Apartheid in South Africa

The summit in Harare had a significant focus on the issue of apartheid in South Africa. The assembly expressed unified condemnation of South Africa’s apartheid regime, endorsing strong support for the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid groups. Member states called for intensified international pressure, including economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, against the South African government to hasten the end of apartheid.

Outcomes and Resolutions

The 8th NAM Summit resulted in a series of declarations and resolutions aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and increasing political pressure on the South African regime. Member states committed to fostering more robust economic partnerships and solidarity among developing nations. Additionally, the summit’s declaration on apartheid was a pivotal moment in amplifying global opposition to South Africa’s racial segregation policies.

Historical Significance

The Harare Summit of 1986 was instrumental in reinforcing the Non-Aligned Movement’s commitment to combating racial segregation and promoting economic independence among its members. It highlighted the NAM’s role in shaping international discourse on apartheid and development issues, underscoring the movement’s influence in geopolitical affairs during a critical period of the late 20th century.

The decisions and declarations made during the summit reflected the movement’s ongoing efforts to address global inequalities and support liberation movements, contributing to the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa in the early 1990s.