Independence came to Zimbabwe under the leadership of two distinct groups, the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). Both had emerged from the National Democratic Party in the early 60s. ZAPU was led by Joshua Nkomo, an Ndebele nationalist. ZANU was led by the Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, a Ndau, and Robert Mugabe, a Shona.
Mugabe quickly rose to prominence, and gained the post of prime minister on independence. Joshua Nkomo was given a ministerial post in Mugabe's cabinet, but was removed from office on 17 February 1982 -- he was accused of planning to overthrow Mugabe. At the time of independence North Korea offered to train Zimbabwe's army, and Mugabe agreed. 106 Military experts arrived and began work with the 5th Brigade. These troops were now deployed in Matebeleland ostensibly to crush pro-Nkomo ZANU forces, who were, of course, Ndebele.
Gukurahundi, which is Shona for 'early rain that washes away chaff', lasted for four years. It was mostly brought to an end when Mugabe and Nkomo reached a conciliation on 22 December 1987, and they signed a unity agreement. Although thousands were killed in Matebeleland and the south-east of Zimbabwe there was little international recognition of the extensive human rights abuses (called by some an attempted genocide). It was twenty years before a report was undertaken by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and the Legal Resources Foundation of Harare. Estimates for the number of dead vary from 20,000 to 80,000.
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