The commonwealth initiative in zimbabwe, 1979-1980: implications for international peacekeeping

This dissertation explores the role of the Commonwealth Monitoring Force (CMF) and the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) in the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. In conclusion, it considers the implications of the Commonwealth operation for international peacekeeping. While much is known of the political and military struggles that brought about Zimbabwean independence, little has been written of the Commonwealth's contribution to the ceasefire and elections leading to majority rule. This thesis assesses that contribution and argues that although Zimbabwe's independence was principally the product of endogenous factors, without the Commonwealth's success in creating a climate of peace and confidence for the conduct of free and fair elections, the transition in 1980 would likely have failed. The study is divided into four parts. Part I sets the background for the Commonwealth initiative. Chapter One surveys the theory, practice and development of peacekeeping up to 1980. Chapter Two analyzes the Commonwealth's response to UDI in 1965 and its efforts through 1979 to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Rhodesian conflict. Parts II and III examine in depth the origins, operations, and contributions of the CMF and COG respectively. These chapters draw principally on interviews with participants, including Zimbabwean principals, and on extensive unpublished documentary sources. This evidence suggests that, without the CMF and COG, it is unlikely that the ceasefire could have been maintained or the elections accepted as legitimate, either domestically or internationally. Part IV concludes that the Commonwealth operation has original implications for international peacekeeping and constitutes a significant turning point in its theoretical and practical evolution.