Sweden and national liberation in Southern Africa : Vol. 2, Solidarity and assistance 1970-1994

Abstract

Sweden’s and the other Nordic countries’ support for the national liberation process and struggle against apartheid was unique in the international context both in regard to the size of the financial support and the extensive popular involvement. This book attempts to document the involvement of Sweden in the Southern African struggles against colonialism, occupation and white minority rule. While Volume I set out to identify the actors and factors behind the involvement, the aim of the present volume is to illustrate the Swedish participation. The focus of this study is on official assistance to the national liberation movements but the important role played by the organized Swedish solidarity movement and other non-governmental organizations also forms part of the narration. The study also attempts to contribute to a broader understanding of the international aspects of the Thirty Years’ War in the region, a significant chapter in the quest for national self-determination, democracy and human rights towards the end of the troubled 20th century. Primarily written for the general reader interested in relations between Sweden and the Southern African liberation movements, the presentation should also provide material and theoretical enquiries with regard to, for example, Swedish foreign policy in the cold war era; regional developments in a bipolar world; and the diplomatic initiatives, political alliances and material conditions of the different movements. This book is a part of the Nordic Africa Institute’s Research Project National Liberation in Southern Africa. The Role of the Nordic Countries. The result of the project is a unique documentation, mainly drawing on hitherto restricted official primary sources. This book, together with the other studies published within the project, forms a valuable reference source for everyone interested in the 20th century history of Southern Africa in particular or North/South and international relations in general.

<p>Contents: Chronological overview 1950–1994 -- Acknowledgements -- Prologue -- PAIGC of Guinea-Bissau : Breaking the Ground -- FRELIMO of Mozambique : Clearing a Way -- MPLA of Angola : A Rockier Road -- ZANU and ZAPU of Zimbabwe : On Separate Trails -- Patriotic Front : ZANU and ZAPU towards Independence -- SWAPO of Namibia : Tentative Steps towards Firm Relations -- Transport, Home Front, Churches and Trade Unions -- The Shipanga Affair and Beyond : Humanitarian Assistance and Human Rights – Cold War, Total Strategy and Expanded Assistance -- With SWAPO to Victory -- ANC of South Africa : No Easy Walk -- Isolation versus Involvement : Companies, Churches and Labour in the 1970s -- SACTU, Unions and Sanctions – ‘Looking for Alternatives’ : Pan Africanist Congress -- Gatsha Buthelezi and Inkatha -- Black Consciousness, IUEF and ‘Operation Daisy’ -- From Beds in Exile to Organizers at Home -- Attacks and Assistance in the Forward Areas : Swaziland and Mozambique -- Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and a Note on Security -- Closer and Broader Cooperation : Projects in Exile, Mineworkers, UDF and Civics in South Africa -- Culture and Popular Initiatives : From Frontline Rock to the People’s Parliament -- Banning of Trade and Planning for Post-Apartheid -- Free at Last</p>