POLITICAL OVERVIEW

Below are related articles of the political situation in Rhodesia dealing with the military view of the Zimbabwean War of Independence. All with heavy reference to counter-insurgency and the employment of the Selous Scouts. The war lasted twenty-three years (1957-March 1980). The combatants of this conflict were the Nationalists against the Rhodesian governments. The war ended with a nationalist victory and independence of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe (The good guys don't always win.). Casualties during this war was over 20,000 killed on both sides.

WAR IN THE BUSH: Military and political situation in Rhodesia.

RHODESIAN ARMY: COUNTER-INSURGENCY, 1972-1979 (PART 1): This is a very thorough essay on COIN operations, which covers many different facets within the RSF, to include the Selous Scouts.

RHODESIAN ARMY: COUNTER-INSURGENCY, 1972-1979 (PART 2): This essay is long, but well worth a read, just for the lessons learned from the RSF.

ZAPU AND ZANU: The black nationalist groups.

RHODESIAN INSURGENCY (PART 1): This is a little more than an overview but well worth the read.

RHODESIAN INSURGENCY (PART 2): This is an awesome amount of information in such a small piece of work, again it's a great read and well worth the time.

COUNTERINSURGENCY IN RHODESIA: Excellent article written in 1979, about the conflict in Rhodesia.

U D I

On 11 November 1965, Ian Smith of the Rhodesian Front Party issued the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI). This document can be viewed below in all its splendor.

7.62 FN FAL rifle.