If talks fail, war will continue with greater intensity

The Herald, September 15, 1979
PRESIDENT Julius Nyerere of Tanzania arrived in London yesterday from the Irish Republic for talks with the British Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, on the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia conference.

Before leaving Dublin after a five-day visit, he told reporters he believed a settlement could be achieved as a result of the conference, reports Iana-Reuter.

“I mean it, when I say that it now depends on the seriousness of the British Government. Will they be able to assert the necessary authority to supervise elections?”

Dr Nyerere warned that if the conference failed, the bush war in Zimbabwe Rhodesia would “continue with greater intensity”. The President who is due to leave for home today, is expected to meet Patriotic Front leaders Mr Joshua Nkomo and Mr Robert Mugabe, while he is in London.

Dr Nyerere was asked at a Dublin Press conference yesterday about his support for the Patriotic Front.

“They are fighting for independence in their own country,” he replied. “As long as these people are not free, and fighting is necessary, it is the duty of Africans to support the fighting.

“I am not a Gandhi. I am not opposed to violence philosophically,” he added.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was one of the most respected nationalists and Pan-Africanists in the continent’s fight against colonialism, and neo-colonialism. He was respected in Africa and beyond for the immense contributions he made towards independence and self-determination of Africa.

He was among the 32 African leaders that met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and founded the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

The grouping established the Liberation Committee, that coordinated the liberation struggle in parts of Africa that were still under colonial rule, among them Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, etc.

Nyerere was also among a grouping of eight leaders of the Frontline (southern Africa) countries, that was formed to pursue independence and majority rule. The group metamorphosed into the Southern African Development Community. (SADC).

“My generation led Africa to political freedom. The current generation of leaders and peoples of Africa must pick up the flickering torch of African freedom, refuel it with their enthusiasm and determination, and carry it forward,” said Nyerere in 1997.