RHODESIA: LOOKING BEYOND THE APRIL ELECTION (U)

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CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3
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S
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19
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December 12, 2016
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December 14, 2001
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1
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April 3, 1979
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IR
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,Approve,d'For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A0009000200Q1-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Warning Notie~e Intelligence Sources and Methods Involved (WN WTEL) National Security Unauthorized Disclosure Information Subject to Criminal Sanctions Dissemination Contral NOFORN (NF) _ Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals Abbreviations NOCONTRACT (NC) Not Releasable to Contractors or Contractor/Consultants PROPIN (PP) ORCON (OC) Controlled by Originator REL... This Information Has Been Authorized for Release to... FG[ Foreign Government Information This publication is available Derivative classification by 385900 on microfiche. Review 30 years from date To get a microfiche copy of this Derived from multiple publication call OCR/ DSB); for future issuances in addition to or in lieu of hard copies, call- (PPG/RD). All material on this page is unclassified. Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 National Secret rEaeei~r~or Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A0009000?~n3rvocoNrR,acT- Assessment ORCON Center Rhodesia: Looking Beyond The April Election (v) Research for this report was completed an 3 April 1979. The author of this paper is Africa Division, Office of Political Analysis, with contributions from Western Europe and USSR Divisions. Comments and queries are welcome and should be directed to This paper was coordinated with the Office of Strategic Research, the Office of Economic Research, the Directorate of Operations, and the National Intelligence Officer for Africa. (U) Secret PA 79-10172 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A0009000~bib~'~93 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A00090 Rhodesia: Looking Beyond The April Election (v) The election later this month of a black-led govern- ment of national unity in Rhodesia will bring substan- tial pressure on the United States and the United Kingdom to recognize the new government and to lift economic sanctions: ? The Rhociesians will make an all-out effort to ensure adequate security and a large turnout for the election. ? Although. the Zimbabwe African National Union and the Zimbabwe African People's Union will try to disrupt the election, neither guerrilla group will be able to prevent it from taking place. (s) Bishop Muzorewa is the most likely candidate to emerge as the head of the new government: ? He will seek to consolidate his position by strength- ening his relationship with the whites, establishing greater control over the countryside, and inducing defections from ZANU and ZAPU. ? He may try to split the guerrillas further by offering to strike a separate deal with ZANU or ZAPU. ? We doubt, however, that the white leaders will show enough flexibility t:o alaow Muzorewa to propose a deal acceptable to either guerrilla leader. (s) The election of a new government, coupled with a continuation of the fighting, will create some hard choices for those states most closely involved with the Rhodesian problem: ? The frontline states will continue to support the guerrillas, but an intensification of the fighting could force some presidents into an open-ended commitment to an increased Soviet and Cuban presence in their countries. ? The frontline states might also have to consider the possibility of~ supportint; one guerrilla group against the other in 1:he event of a civil war. (u) ~ (~1-3 N"_' N000NTRACT- ORCON If the Soviets and the Cubans continue to favor ZAPU over ZANU, they risk alienating Tanzania and Mo- zambique, which would like to see more support given to ZANU: ? if they agree to support both groups, however, they could become involved in a civil war. ? If Nkomo makes a separate deal with the Salisbury government, they might find themselves forced to throw their support behind ZANU. (u) The US and the UK must decide whether to reca~nize the newly elected government and lift economic sanctions: ? A positive decision would strengthen the position of the new government, but provoke a hostile reaction from black African leaders outside Rhodesia. ? A negative decision would undercut the viability of the new regime, but not deter the frontline states from supporting further efforts to reach a negotiated settle- ment. (u) 25X6 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Secret q~~roved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 NOFORN-NOCONT CT- ORCON Prospects for a successful all-parties conference or agreement on the part of the internal government to UN-sponsored elections are exceedingly dim: ? Short-term prospects are for a continuation of the stalemate, particularly now that South Africa has promised to provide substantial military and political support to the new government. ? The fighting certainly will continue, providing ex- panding opportunities for the Soviets and the Cubans. ~S NF NC OC~ Secret iv Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A0009Q Zambia Nyerere, Julius Patriotic Front Mozambique _ {: _ ~_. , South Africa Patriotic Front Approved For Release 2002/01~!~A~OT00942A000900020001-3 Botha, Pieter Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Formation of Government of Zimbabwe Rhodesia 5 Ndebele and 10 Blacks elected by 10 Whites elected Senate 5 Shona Chiefs black members of by white members elected by Council the House of the House of Chiefs Council of Chiefs House of Assembly 72 Blacks elected by black and white voters _? RFx~iesia 20 Whites elected 8 Whites elected by by white voters 92 other new mem- bers of parliament from list of 16 white candidates selected by the 50 members of the present ,parliament. President Chosen by electoral college made up of the members of j House and Senate Prime Minister Appointed by President Cabinet Selected by Prime Minister Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A00090 N N~CONTR 4C? - Rhodesia: Looking Beyond The April Election (u) The Rhodesian Government is making an all-out effort to ensure adequate security and a large turnout for the election. Government pressure and intimidation by the black parties and their auxiliary forces should result in a fairly high turnout. The government estimates a total black turnout of about 60 percent, with the highest percentage being urban blacks and blacks living in white farming areas. Uver 70 percent of the eligible white voters turned out for the constitutional referen- dumlast January and at least that many should vote in the election. (s NF Nc oc) All military and police leaves have been canceled during the election period, and all civilian reservists have been called up to provide security and to police the polling stations during the election. We estimate that a manpower pool totaling some 75,000 Rhode- sians will be mobilized. These forces will be assisted by about 10,000 ex-guerrillas and local recruits who are loyal to internal black leaders Bishop Muzorewa and Reverend Sithole. (s) As the election approaches, Rhodesian security Forces will intensify their raids on guerrilla camps and staging areas in Zambia and Mozambique, and possibly in Angola, Tanzania, and Botswana. By forcing the guerrillas to relocate their command posts farther from the border and to disperse their camps, guerrilla communication links and supply lines will be length- ened, resulting in an erosion of guerrilla capabilities and morale. (s) Although ZANU and ZAPU are committed to dis- rupting the election, it is unlikely either can prevent it from taking place. ZANU and ZAPU now have at least 10,000 guerrillas inside Rhodesi we believe sufficient control to proceed with the polling in most if not all regions of the country. (s) e number and economic importance to the whites, however, is certain to increase. (s) The Election Process White Rhodesians reportedly will go to the polls on ! 0 April to elect 20 white members to the House of Assembly. Four of these seats are contested by independents, but Ian Smith's Rhodesian hront Par[y should have little difficulty in winning all 20 seats. The 72 black members of the House will be elected sometime after 12 April by both black and white Rhodesians. The election probably will be held over a five-day period beginning 17 April. Security forces v~ ill be rotated from one region of the country to another -- possibly by military district-to ensure maximum security around the polling stations. (s) Both the white and black members will be elected directly from party lists established for each constitu- ency. * A party must win at least 10 percent of the vc>~ e in a given constituency to qualify for a seat. Parliamet,- tary seats within each constituency will be allocated un the basis of the proportion of votes received by the parties in that constituency. (u) The 72 black and 20 white members of the House thrn will caucus to elect eight additional white members from a list of 16 candidates chosen by the white members of the present parliament. The Senate will consist of 10 blacks elected by the 72 black members F ~f the lower house, 10 whites elected by the 28 white members, and five Ndebele and five Shona chiefs elected by their tribal counterparts in the Council of Chiefs. Both houses jointly elect a "constitutional" President who then appoints as Prime Minister the person "in his discretion, he considers to be best able 1,~ command the support of the majority of the member; 'Maps of the white and black electoral constituencies and the fivs military operational areas appear at the end of this memorandum. Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 25X1 C 25X1 C Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Probable Distribution of Seats in New Rhodesian Parliament 1,.+-~e Minister !an Smi#_ h (Rhodesian Front) Under pressure from some whites to leave politics, but so far has resisted. Most,if not all, RF candidates are running unopposed. Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole (Zimbabwe African National Union/Sithole) Broke with ZANU external organization in 1377. Popularity appears to be on the decline inside Rhodesia. Chief Kayisa Ndiweni (United National Federal Party) Broke with Chirau and the transitional govt. early this year to form a Ndebele-based party. Would be a stalking horse for Nkomo in the election. 25X6 25X6 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Bishop Abel Muzorewa (United African National Council) Most likely candidate for Prime Minister, but would rather place himself above partisan politics and could opt for the Presidency. Chief Jeremiah Chirau (Zimbabwe United People's Organization) taken a more independent position calling for an all parties conference before the election and the disbanding of all auxiliary forces. Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A0009000~@~}@t1-3 of the House of Assembly." The President also appoints the Cabinet, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. (u) Although the new :Parliament will be numerically dominated by blacks, the whites will retain substan- tial-if riot controlling-influence over the new gov- ernment. Continued white domination of the military, police, judiciary, and civil service is ensured by the Constitution, which establishes criteria such as senior rank, longevity, and "efficiency and suitability" far appointment to top positions in these fields. (u) Moreover, none of the important clauses in the new constitution can be amended or deleted without the approval of all 72 black and at least six white members of the House of Assembly. These so-called entrenched clauses, which guarantee the whites 28 seats in the House, will remain in effect for at least 10 years, after which a c:ornmission-consisting of three whites and two blacks-will be established and empowered to recommend changes. The Constitution also states that posts in the Cabinet will be allocated according to each party's strength in the House of Assembly, thus guaranteeing the whites at least four positions in the new Cabinet. (v) Most whites probably are not enthusiastic about a black-led government taking power in Rhodesia, but they appear willing 1;o give the new government a chance. White emigration dropped considerably this year after a dramatic rise last fall-peaking at 2,7-1 l net departures in December. Net departures for January a.nd February totaled only 1,073 and 592 whites, respectively. (u) Muzorewa on Top Bishop Abel. Muzorewa should emerge in a strong position of leadership in the new government of national unity, with his party winning at least half the black seats in Parliament. His closest rival, Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, has lost ground in recent months, and his party probably will win less than a third of the black seats. Chief Jeremiah Chirau, the other black leader in the internal government, lacks broad popular support but should pick up a few seats. Chief Ndiweni, who broke with Chirau last November to form his own Ndebele-based party, has not developed a strong political base, but his party could win enough seats to gain a post: in the Cabinet. (s) Muzorewa hopes to establish more government c.~ntrol over the countryside by augmenting the size and expanding the role of the auxiliary forces. He~ als,} hopes to attract more black supporters- -including guerrilla defectors-by offering land and socsal serv- ices. The Bishop is expected to announce a majrn amnesty program soon after taking office that wd~uld encourage the guerrillas to return, but not. rectuir:-~ them to turn in their arms. The government i ho;~mg that many of these guerrillas would agree to loin he auxiliary forces. (s) Muzorewa has already entered into negotiatons ~v~th the white leaders, focusing on cooperation betwec n their parties and a possible modification of'some clauses in the new Constitution that work to the disadvantage of the blacks. The Bishop realizes that he will need white support for his government and w,~nts to meet with the white leaders before the elec~ ion to discuss possible ministerial appointments, to plan future government policies, and to map a joint strategy for obtaining international recognition for the netiF~ government. (s NF we oe) Once in power, Muzorewa should be able to capitclize on several trends that have become apparent in re.:ent months, including: ? A deepening political and military rivalry brtwc~en LANU and ZAPU. With the virtual collapse ?~f negotiations for a political settlement, each gr~~up has come increasingly to perceive the other as a rival i;ti the struggle for control of a black-ruled Rhodesia. ? Continuing disarray within the ZAPU leadership that has weakened Nkomo's position internatinna+.v and within his own organization, making it almost irnpossible for ZAPU to implement its more grandiose military plans. ? The decline of Nkomo's appeal to whites in R hodesia since the downing of two civilian airliners by his guerrillas. ? Growing weariness in Zambia over the economic and political costs of the guerrilla struggle, which court eventually lead to a political backlash against Tres dent Kaunda. Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900~~~01-3 Other (Tonga, Venda, Sena) 4 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Population Distribution in Zimbabwe Rhodesia POPULATION Persons per square kilom~"rr 0 5 15 2? 0 13 3B fi5 104 Persons per square mde Source: 1969 population: census NDAU Selected Shona speaking group ticcret ~ Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A00090002~Q~-3 ? Growing support for the internal settlement in the US Congress and the British Parliament. ? South African promises to provide substantial politi- cal and military support-short of military interven- tion-to the new government of national unity. (s) The South Africans have also said that they no longer would press Prime Minister Smith to withdraw from politics so long as his presence does not hinder the new governrnent's chance of success. Prime Minister Botha has indiicated, however, that South Africa will with- hold diplomatic recognition from the new government; we expect, Botha to wait until the new government has won Borne international acceptance and demonstrated a capacity to govern. (s NF Nc oc) These factors accaunt for a growing confidence among whites i;hat the internal settlement eventually might succeed. A continuation of these trends could lead to a hardening of white attitudes and a growing reluctance to seek a political deal with the guerrillas. Given the probability that the level of fighting inside Rhodesia will escalate, however, most whites probably will continue to support efforts to negotiate a political settlement with the blacks. (u) Possible Ilealignraents The formation of a black-led government will open the door to more jockE;ying among the various players in the Rhodesian situation. Muzorewa, in particular, probably will try to split the guerrillas further by seeking a separate alliance with ZANU or ZAPU. (s) Representatives of the Bishop have already made approaches to ZANU to discuss a possible Shona- based alliance, which could draw on 75 percent of the black population for support. Although ZANU so far has rejected Muzorewa's attempts to induce it--or a significant faction of the guerrilla group-to join his new government, some senior officials have indicated they woufld not rule out talks at some future date. (s NF NC OC) Joshua Nkomo might try to preempt such an alliance by seeking to make his own deal either with Muzorewa, or with the whites, thus bringing the Ndebeles and the Shonas into a single government. White Rhodesian politicians would favor su`h a coalition because they see Nkomo as a unify ing force and regard Mugabe as too radical (s) The pressure on Mugabe or Nkomo to consider joining forces with the internal government is likely to !nount the more each leader perceives the other as trying to preempt him in reaching a settlement. Neither of these realignments, however, would tip the balance of power in Rhodesia sufficiently to bring an end to the fighting because each excludes a major participant who could attract enough foreign support to continue the guer- rilla war. Nevertheless, either could change the com- plexion of the war from one of equilibrium and growing strength on the guerrillas' side to one of strength for the new government in Salisbury. (v) Hurd Choices Ahead The election of a government of national unity, r~upled with a continuation of the fighting, will create same hard choices for the parties involved with the Rhode- sian problem. The frontline states will continue to support the guerrillas, but an intensification of the Fighting could force Presidents Kaunda of Za-nbia and Machel of Mozambique into an open-ended commt- ment to an increased Soviet and Cuban presence in their countries. Kaunda has consistently resisted any augmentation of the Soviet and Cuban role in Zambia, but he might feel forced to reverse himself if it appeared this was the only way to resolve the canflict and remove the military threat posed to his c~ux~try by the Rhodesians. Machel is less concerned about the Soviet and Cuban presence, largely because of tiffs ideological commitment to ZANU, but he probably is anxious to prevent it from endangering the pragmatic economic ties he has established with South Africa. (s) In the hope of minimizing the military spillover iota their countries, Kaunda and Machel might consider urging Nkomo and Mugabe to strike a separate deal with the government in Salisbury. Such an approach, however, would risk seriously antagonizing zhe other frontline states. The frontline presidents also have to consider the possibility of supporting one guerriiia group against the other in a contest for power it Rhodesia. (s) 5 Secret Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Principal Military Forces Involved in Rhodesian Conflict* Rw@nda* igali *Nsirobi - _ COng0 Brazzavills ZAPU 2,000 CUBANS 19,000-21.000 SOVIETS 1,000 Approximately 70 Soviets ;rnd 700 Cubans advise and pain ZAPO personnel. ZAPU 20,000 CUBANS 65-75 ZAPU 200 Malawi Lilongwe, ZANU 7,000 CUBANS 650 SOVIETS 250 Mast of the Soviet and Cuban advisers are engaged in supporting government delense forces. ZANU 8,000 ZAPU 2,000 Rhodesian Army 18,000 Rhodesian Air Force 1,500 Police, Paramilitary & Reserves 55,000 kMaseru Lesotho "Totals for ZANU and ZAPU include trained guerrillas and those under training. /There are 7,500 ZANU and 500-1,(]D0 ZAPU guerrillas in Ethiopia and 500 ZANU guerrillas in Libya r+nder training./ ZANU 3,000 SOVIETS 120 No Soviets are involved with ZANU. Auxiliaries loyal to Muzorewa 8,000 Auxiliaries loyal to Sithole 2,000 Secret ~ Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Secret The Soviet and Cuhan Role The common objective of Moscow and Havana is to secure influence in a black-ruled Rhodesia, and they have decided that backing ZAPU leader Nkomo is the best means to that end. The election of a government of national unity will riot force any immediate changes on the Soviets or the Cubans. The fighting will continue, and they will support the guerrillas, hoping that the military pressure will bring a settlement favorable to Nkomo. They will play on African fears of Western recognition of the new government to maintain the momentum of the military option. (s) >~eyond that, the options available to the Soviets and Cubans have not fully taken form. They will take their cue from the response of the Africans to efforts by the new government to entice the guerrilla leaders to return to Rhodesia. Should Nkomo return, Moscow and Havana probably would prefer to support him. Even though Nyerere and Machel would disagree, the Soviets would weigh the opportunities to improve their credibility and influence with Zambia against the belief that any friction with 'Tanzania and Mozam- bique would only be temporary. (s) Nevertheless, Nkomo's return to Rhodesia carries with it the risk that Nkomo would cut his ties with the Soviets and the Cubans in the process, thereby leading them to support ZANU. This assumes that ZANtJ's military c;ffort does not evaporate as a result of large- scale defc;ctions to the new government. At the present time, Moscow and Havana cannot support both ZAPU and ZAI?dLf because of the rivalry between them and the potential it holds for an eventual contest between them for pawer in Rhodesia. (s) Pressures on the United States and Britain The newly elected government in Rhodesia will prc;ss tYtc US and the UK to recognize it and lift economic sanctions. It will argue that the election meets the demands of the US and UK for a transfer of power to a black government on the basis of one man, one vole. (u) Kecognizing the new government and lifting ;auctions certainly would strengthen it. There would be grater white resolve to support the black-led governmen and a greater willingness among whites in the militar to defend it. Government prospects for attracting large numbers of guerrilla defectors could also be enhanced if the economy improved sufficiently to allow the government to improve social services for the bla~:ks. (u) The lifting of sanctions would improve the chances cr1~ stemming Rhodesia's economic decline and glue u major psychological boost to the internal regime Worldwide demand has been increasing for man goods produced by the Rhodesians such as conne . gold, and chrome. (u) At the same time, such a decision would seriously erode the "special relationship" the US has fi~stered with black African leaders-particularly Zar~biczn President Kaunda, Tanzanian President Nverere and Nigerian President Obasanjo. They would conclude that the US and the UK had chosen to support the "enemy" and thus would come under increasing pressure from the guerrillas and the Soviets tc puP~sue a military solution in Rhodesia. (v) While some African leaders might support lilting sanctions if it were followed by US and UK efforts to include ZANU or ZAPU in the new government. the frontline African leaders would be further antagonized by such a strategy. A call for a new constitution- providing for a more rapid transition to full black. rule and approved by both blacks and whites-might dispel some of the frontline presidents' resentment, gut ~t would still leave the US and the UK very much it disfavor. (s) Faced with a refusal by the US and the UK to lii~ sanctions, the internal government would have di.~fi- culty taking hold. White emigration probably would increase as the level of fighting escalated. White4 in the military would begin to question why they wet?e fighting for ablack-led government that was unat~le to win external support. (U) Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900~~~Oe~1-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 25X6 25X6 The frontline states and Nigeria would continue to support Anglo-American efforts t~.~ward a political settlement, on the basis that the election was merely one step in a process that eventually would involve the guerrillas in a negotiated settlement. They probably would remain highly skeptical, however, that such efforts would succeed. Meanwhile, regardless of what the US and the UK choose to do, Soviet and. Cuban involvement with the guerrilla forces-and with their hosts-would continue to grow. (~ ) Secret Approved For Release 2002/01/15 : CI~-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Constituencies for the Election of 20 White Members to the Zimbabwe Rhodesia House of Assembly ~~ter? ", 200 Enkd~doarn .$R#, a! 3,4tiD _ Gwelo~ $outlin~rn' 3,640 ; ,Nar~ erg a, a TYlaa~ae=tVltrr 3,6a*0 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Approved For Release 2002/01/15 :CIA-RDP80T00942A000900020001-3 Constituencies for the Election of 72 Black Members to the Zimbabwe Rhodesia House of Assembly '~d8a1(la~ r Kariba ?~, ?~+ 1WI$sltosfal~s~~#. ? Mas-~cv~a~~ni! C~sttr~# 264,500 / ~8tc2~~akT~~s1~ N..~aC't~'c '383,50D ~4rii,z~IP4fl'; 4 i 9, 500 Matabeleland South isi,ooo s Ml~*h6ii7E?~n