African Reactions to the Rhodesian Crisis

Informed observers can hardly be blamed if they have become sceptical about the reactions of African states to the illegal seizure of power by the Smith regime in Southern Rhodesia. African states have been intemperate and extreme in their demands, inept in their diplomacy and irresolute in their actions. This, along with the marked instability of several major African powers could well lead to the assessment that the reactions of African leaders to the Rhodesian crisis are neither profound nor important, and that a negotiated settlement of the crisis in Southern Rhodesia can and possibly should be sought with Mr. Smith without serious regard to the views of these leaders. It is therefore important to understand in some detail the reasons for these African reactions and to assess the likely consequences of any settlement which ignores them. Mr. Smith's unilateral declaration of independence is understood in Africa to constitute a seizure of power by a settled white minority seeking to perpetuate its monopoly of power. No African leader of any consequence has accepted the Rhodesian regime's argument that it agrees that African rule must come eventually but that it rejects a too rapid advance to majority rule. Rather, African leaders regard the declaration of independence as an ill-concealed attempt to consolidate white control. If African reactions are at all to be appreciated, it is essential to realize that the evidence for this judgement is powerful. The privileges of the European minority do not rest solely upon competitive advantages which are due to its wealth and skills. They depend, in addition, upon a framework of discriminatory legislation in four crucial matters. This legislation assures European predominance.1

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