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Zimbabwe African People’s Union

Zimbabwean political organization
Also known as: Patriotic Front, ZAPU

Quick Summary

The Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) was a prominent political organization in Zimbabwe, founded in 1962 by Joshua Nkomo. It emerged as a significant force during the struggle for independence from white minority rule in Rhodesia. ZAPU, along with the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) led by Robert Mugabe, were the two major liberation organizations.

The organizations were banned by the Rhodesian government, forcing them to operate from exile. ZAPU's support base was primarily among the Ndebele ethnic minority, while ZANU drew support from the Shona majority. This ethnic division contributed to internal conflicts within the nationalist movement. Despite these challenges, both ZAPU and ZANU engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Rhodesian government, eventually leading to negotiations and the establishment of majority rule in Zimbabwe in 1980.1234

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