✦ History

Part of Decolonisation of Africa

Rhodesian Bush War

July 4, 1964 – December 12, 1979 · Rhodesia

Result Lancaster House Agreement

Black nationalist guerrillas of ZANU and ZAPU fought the white-minority government of Rhodesia. The war ended with the Lancaster House Agreement, and the country became independent as Zimbabwe in 1980.

On the map Overview Contemporaries

Southern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe African National Union

Other

South Africa
Rhodesia
Zimbabwe Rhodesia
Portugal
African National Congress
Soviet Union
P. W. Botha belligerent leader B. J. Vorster belligerent leader Ian Smith belligerent leader P. K. van der Byl military commander Peter Walls military commander
Samora Moisés Machel belligerent leader Robert Mugabe belligerent leader Oliver Tambo belligerent leader Herbert Chitepo military commander Josiah Tongogara military commander

Strength and losses

Killed
2,616
Killed
c. 10,000
Killed
c. 10,950

Units

Rhodesian Security Forces Rhodesian Light Infantry Rhodesian Special Air Service Rhodesian Air Force
Ethiopian Army

Battles 1

Before and after

Ended by
Lancaster House Agreement September 10 – December 21, 1979

Related events 1 degree away • 2 degrees away

1965
1967
1969
1971
1973
1975
1977
1979
 
Rhodesian Bush War
 
Lancaster House Agreement