March 2, 1970
Rhodesia declared itself a republic, severing its last ties with the United Kingdom.
Salisbury, Rhodesia | Rhodesian Government
On March 2, 1970, Rhodesia, a country in Southern Africa, officially declared itself a republic, severing its remaining constitutional ties with the United Kingdom. This move was a significant step in the country’s contentious history and marked the culmination of events that began with its Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965.
Rhodesia, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, was a British colony after being part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which dissolved in 1963. The largely white minority government, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith of the Rhodesian Front party, sought to resist British pressure to move towards black majority rule. On November 11, 1965, Rhodesia issued a UDI, declaring independence from the United Kingdom in a bid to prevent the transition to majority rule.
The UDI was not recognized by the United Kingdom, the international community, or the United Nations, which imposed economic sanctions on Rhodesia. Despite these sanctions and international lobby for diplomatic solutions, the Rhodesian government persisted in maintaining political control under a predominantly white minority.
By March 1970, Rhodesia took a decisive step to solidify its self-governing status by declaring itself a republic. This decision effectively ended any remaining deference to the British monarchy. The new constitutional framework established the office of the President as the head of state, replacing Queen Elizabeth II, who was the ceremonial head of state under Rhodesia’s previously self-governing colonial status.
The declaration marked a further entrenchment of the government’s opposition to granting political power to the African majority. This political stance was reflected in the newly ratified constitution, which continued to preclude majority African representation in the government.
The declaration of a republic intensified Rhodesia’s isolation on the international stage. The United Kingdom and the United Nations continued not to recognize the legitimacy of the Rhodesian government. Sanctions were maintained, and diplomatic efforts continued in attempts to pressure the government toward negotiating a power-sharing agreement ensuring majority rule.
The hardened political stance led to increased tension and violence in the region, eventually giving rise to the protracted guerrilla conflict known as the Rhodesian Bush War. This civil war, fought between the Rhodesian security forces and African nationalist organizations like the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), ultimately played a key role in shaping the future of the region.
The declaration of a republic laid further groundwork for the ongoing internal and external struggles over governance in Rhodesia. The conflict remained unresolved until the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979, which eventually led to the establishment of Zimbabwe, a state recognized internationally with Robert Mugabe as its leader, following the end of white minority rule.
This pivotal moment on March 2, 1970, thus marks an essential chapter in the complex history of Southern Africa, highlighting the intersection of colonial legacies, self-determination, and international diplomacy.
Source: www.britannica.com