After the Umilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), The British Govt. requested economic sanctions against Rhodesia as negotiations were going with the Smith administration in 1966 and 1968 resulting stalemate. The Smith administration declared itself a republic in 1970which was recognised only by South Africa. Over the years ,the guerilla fighting against ian Smith's DI govt intensified . As a result the Smith govt opened negotiations with the leaders of the two two main resistance fighter groups - Zimbabwe African national union (ZANU) led by Robert Mugabeand the Zimbabwe African People's Union
(ZAPU) led by Joshua Nkomo. In March 1978, with his regime near the brink of collapse , Smith signed an accord with three African Leaders led by Bishop Abel Muzorewa , who offered safeguards for white civilians. In the election held on April 1979, the United African National Council won the majority and the leader Abel Muzorewa became the country;s prime ministerand te name of the country was changed to Zimbabwe Rhodesia in short Zimbabwe.On June 12, US voted to end economic sanctions against Zimbabwe.On Dec 1979, The British sent a delegation to have settle ment and took them in Common Wealth.
(ZAPU) led by Joshua Nkomo. In March 1978, with his regime near the brink of collapse , Smith signed an accord with three African Leaders led by Bishop Abel Muzorewa , who offered safeguards for white civilians. In the election held on April 1979, the United African National Council won the majority and the leader Abel Muzorewa became the country;s prime ministerand te name of the country was changed to Zimbabwe Rhodesia in short Zimbabwe.On June 12, US voted to end economic sanctions against Zimbabwe.On Dec 1979, The British sent a delegation to have settle ment and took them in Common Wealth. 
