UN Sanctions on White-Minority-Ruled Rhodesia (1968)

Name: UN Sanctions on White-Minority-Ruled Rhodesia (1968)
Start: 1919-05-29
Location: Unspecified

The Historical Context of UN Sanctions on Rhodesia

In 1965, Rhodesia, a British colony led by a white-minority government, made headlines when it declared independence unilaterally. This act of defiance was not recognized by the United Kingdom or the international community. By 1968, the situation had escalated, prompting the United Nations to take decisive action by imposing sanctions against Rhodesia. This marked a significant moment in the global fight against colonial rule and racial discrimination.

UN's Resolution and Its Implications

On March 12, 1968, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 253, which called for economic and military sanctions against Rhodesia. This resolution aimed to pressure the white-minority government to engage in negotiations regarding governance that would include the African majority. The sanctions were comprehensive, prohibiting member states from trading with Rhodesia and limiting its access to essential resources.

The Significance of UN Sanctions Against Rhodesia

The sanctions were significant not just for Rhodesia but also represented a broader shift in international attitudes toward colonialism and racial inequality. They highlighted the UN's role in advocating human rights and its willingness to confront issues of racial injustice on the global stage.

The Resistance and Response from Rhodesia

The white-minority government of Rhodesia, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, rejected the sanctions, claiming they were an infringement on its sovereignty. However, over time, these measures contributed to economic hardship, putting pressure on Smith's administration. The sanctions served to galvanize African nationalist movements that were demanding equal rights and igniting more resistance against colonial rule.

Ian Smith's Defiance

Despite the international pressure and the sanctions imposed by the UN, Ian Smith remained defiant. He believed that the sanctions would not significantly weaken the Rhodesian economy and considered them an opportunity to rally nationalist sentiments among the white population. However, the increasing isolation and economic challenges proved to be a turning point.

The Growing Impact of Economic Sanctions

As the sanctions were enforced, Rhodesia faced increasing difficulties in trade and access to goods. Essential items became scarce, which intensified unrest among the African majority and increased support for liberation movements like the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU). This led to a long struggle for independence that culminated in 1980.

Fun Fact: The Legacy of the Sanctions

Impact of Sanctions on Rhodesia's Independence Movement

While the sanctions were intended as a pressure tactic, they inadvertently fueled a stronger resistance movement. The hardships faced by the population helped unify various factions opposing white-minority rule, significantly affecting the course of Rhodesia's history.