Joshua Nkomo Biography

Nkomo joins Mugabe in presenting a united Patriotic Front at independence negotiations.

Nkomo joins Robert Mugabe in forming the Patriotic Front for independence negotiations.

Nkomo supports a Patriotic Front strategy combining negotiation and armed pressure.

Nkomo leads ZAPU while coordinating its role within the Patriotic Front.

Nkomo's ZAPU operates ZIPRA as its armed wing during the liberation struggle.

The Patriotic Front parties boycott the elections

Nkomo campaigns as Patriotic Front-ZAPU leader in the independence election.

Mugabe dismisses Nkomo from the cabinet after alleging a coup conspiracy.

Nkomo condemns military operations against communities associated with ZAPU.

Mugabe dismisses Nkomo and other ZAPU ministers after alleged arms discoveries.

Nkomo signs the Unity Accord merging ZAPU into ZANU-PF.

A Unity Accord is signed between the two parties; PF-ZAPU is merged into ZANU-PF, effectively establishing a one-party state dominated Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF, Joshua Nkomo becomes one of two vice-presidents. After 8 years of "low-level" civil war termed Gukurahundi, the opposition Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo, merges with ZANU to form ZANU-PF with the added moniker of Patriotic Front

Nkomo becomes Vice-President following the ZANU-PF and ZAPU political settlement.

Nkomo is appointed Vice-President following implementation of the Unity Accord.