Conference on the independence of Rhodesia, London, December 1979

Conference on the independence of Rhodesia, London, December 1979. Peace conference in London confirming the independence of Rhodesia, a former British colony. The country became officially independent in 1979 and was re-named Zimbabwe. Lord Carrington is chairing the conference and Margaret Thatcher is in the audience. The Lancaster House Agreement, ending white rule in Rhodesia under Ian Smith, was signed on 21 December 1979. It was signed by the Patriotic Front (PF), consisting of ZAPU (Zimbabwe African Peoples Union) led by Joshua Nkomo, and ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) led by Robert Mugabe, and the Zimbabwe Rhodesia government, represented by Bishop Abel Muzorewa (seated to Carrington's right), and Ian Smith. ©SSPL/Manchester Daily Express