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Box 1.5
The Frontline States – Mission Accomplished

The Liberation Committee was officially closed in August 1994 after
South Africa held democratic elections, and that effectively ended the
work of the Frontline States (FLS), although their style and methodol­
ogy of active and rapid response to maintain peace and human dignity
were incorporated in the establishment of the SADC Organ on Politics,
Defence and Security Cooperation.
The idea of the Frontline States emerged out of the mutual co­
operation between Tanzania, which had gained independence in 1961,
Zambia (1964) and Botswana (1966) in supporting the independence of
the other countries in the region and the end of apartheid in South Af­
rica. Mozambique and Angola fought and won independence in 1975
and they joined the Frontline States to support Zimbabwe (1980) and
Namibia (1990) as well as South Africa (1994) to complete the political
independence of the region.
The FLS had offered support through refuge, training and transit
routes as well as material and diplomatic assistance. This FLS remained informal and continued to operate as a quick
response after the formation of SADCC in 1980.
The leaders of independent Africa who formed the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963 had
established on the same day a Coordinating Committee with responsibility “for harmonising the assistance and for
managing the Special Fund to be set up for that purpose,” with headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
The Resolution on Dissolution of the OAU Liberation Committee expressed “deep appreciation to the Gov­
ernment and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Frontline States and all other countries for providing
dependable rear bases as the home of the Executive Secretariat and its Sub­Regional Offices as well as their effective
and multifarious assistance to the African Liberation Movements.”
24 The Liberation Committee was headed for 22 years from 1972­1994 by the late Brigadier­General Hashim Mbita
as Executive Secretary, appointed by President Nyerere for his passionate dedication and honesty, and his wide array
of knowledge and skills. His name was known to freedom fighters across the continent of Africa and he dedicated
his final report to them, as Mission Accomplished.
“This publication, aptly titled Mission Accomplished, is a collection of the historic statements and messages
of solidarity which were received in Arusha. It is hoped that, with this compilation as well as recorded efforts by
scholars, researchers and institutions, the history of the liberation struggle in Africa will be preserved for future gen­
erations.
“It is dedicated to the gallantry of Africa’s freedom fighters, especially to the memory of those who did not
live to see the dawn of this era in Africa. This is a tribute to their courage, a salute to the heroes and heroines of
African Liberation. …”
Speaking a few years later at a symposium to mark Africa Day, Ambassador Mbita urged the youth of the new
generation to be resolute in the struggle for economic and social development on the continent.
He echoed a favourite phrase of Mwalimu Nyerere when he said, “It can be done, play your part.”

Box 1.6
SADC Hashim Mbita Project – Southern African Liberation Struggles

For the history of the liberation struggle in southern Africa, it was Brig Gen Hashim Mbita (rtd) himself who took
on the task, using his skills of persuasion to raise funds, and his inspirational enthusiasm to get the job done, mobi­
lizing the team who collected stories in SADC Member States. He served as active Patron of the SADC History Pro­
ject. The project resulted in the publication of nine volumes which contain a narrative and stories told by the
Brig Gen Hashim Mbita (rtd) at left, with H.E. Dr people of region and their liberation movements, about their role and that of the Front Line States and support
Kenneth David Kaunda of Zambia, both recipients by various organisations and countries within and outside Africa.
of the Seretse Khama SADC Medal.