ZIPRA, an acronym for the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, refers to a nationalist military organization that operated in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) during the era of the armed struggle for independence from the late 1960s until the early 1980s. ZIPRA was formed as the armed wing of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and played a crucial role in the struggle against the white minority rule of Ian Smith's Rhodesian government.
ZIPRA was primarily composed of Ndebele fighters and had its bases in Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola, where recruits underwent military training. The organization fought alongside the African National Congress (ANC) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) during the protracted guerrilla war, which aimed at ending colonial rule and establishing majority rule in Zimbabwe.
ZIPRA's military tactics included both guerrilla warfare and conventional warfare, utilizing a combination of hit-and-run attacks, sabotage, and large-scale battles. The organization was known for its highly skilled fighters and effective use of Soviet-supplied weaponry.
Following the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979, which paved the way for Zimbabwe's independence, ZIPRA integrated with the Rhodesian security forces to form the new Zimbabwe National Army. ZIPRA contributed significantly to the military expertise and capabilities of the newly independent Zimbabwe, with many former ZIPRA combatants assuming key positions within the army and the government.
Today, ZIPRA holds historical significance and remains an integral part of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, symbolizing the courage and determination of those who fought for independence and self-determination.
