484 Chapter 4
MID#1399
Dispute Number: 1399
Date(s): March 25, 1969
Participants: 552 Zimbabwe/551 Zambia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On March 23, 1969, Zambian President Kaunda alleged that Rhodesian
President Smith was using the accusation that Zambia was harboring African nation-
alist insurgents as a context under which Zimbabwe was planning to bomb areas
of Zambia. Two days later, on March 25, Zambian patrols were sent to the border
between the two countries.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from March 23, 1969. End Date changed from
March 26, 1969.
MID#1390
Started in December 1972. See the narrative in the 235 Portugal/551 Zambia dyad
dispute list.
MID#1397
Dispute Number: 1397
Date(s): January 9, 1973 to May 19, 1973
Participants: 552 Zimbabwe, 560 South Africa/551 Zambia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: In 1973, Rhodesia’s white-controlled government clashed with black
nationalist guerrillas who opposed the government’s racist and repressive policies.
The guerrillas maintained bases in Zambia and received support from the Zam-
bian government. This resulted in the closing of the Zambia-Rhodesian border,
an act that disrupted both political and economic relations between several South
African nations. As a result of increased Zambian-supported guerrilla attacks against
white Rhodesians, Rhodesia’s government increased its repressive policies against
black citizens, even restricting cross-border travel in an attempt to curb guerrilla
recruitment.
These policies further exacerbated the racial tensions and appear to have increased
domestic support for Zimbabwe liberation movements. The Zambian-backed rebels
continued raids and guerrilla activities, prompting Rhodesia to increase its military
and recruit forces from South Africa.
Diplomatic talks followed, but Rhodesia’s president was reluctant to make any
concessions regarding white minority rule in Rhodesia.
Coding changes: End Date changed from June 14, 1973. Outcome changed from
Unclear. Settlement changed from None.