Azanian People’s Liberation Army

South African military organization

Also known as: APLA

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July 20, 2026

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The Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) was the militant wing of the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) in South Africa. The PAC, founded in 1959, advocated for "Africanist" policies, prioritizing Black South Africans and seeking to return the country to its indigenous inhabitants. This contrasted with the nonracial approach of other organizations like the African National Congress (ANC).

Following its banning in 1960, the PAC operated underground and established an external base. APLA was formed with the aim of overthrowing white rule through violence. Between 1991 and 1994, APLA was responsible for several violent incidents, including attacks in Cape Town. The PAC, with APLA as its military force, obtained less than 1 percent of the vote in South Africa's 1994 elections.1

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Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania
…military wing (now named the Azanian People’s Liberation Army; APLA), with its slogan of “One settler, one bullet,” became popular. The APLA perpetrated several massacres between 1991 and 1994, including killings in a pub and a church in Cape Town.
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…military wing (now named the Azanian People’s Liberation Army; APLA), with its slogan of “One settler, one bullet,” became popular. The APLA perpetrated several massacres between 1991 and 1994, including killings in a pub and a church in Cape Town.
Read More