Mozambique–Zimbabwe border

The Mozambique–Zimbabwe border was established during the colonial period by Great Britain and Portugal, following an arbitration ruling issued by Italy, and today separates Mozambique in southeastern Africa from Zimbabwe in southern Africa.

History

At the end of the 19th century, the two colonial powers in the region, Great Britain and Portugal, pursued seemingly incompatible ambitions. The former sought to penetrate the interior of the African continent from the Cape Colony, while the latter, established since the 16th century in Angola and Mozambique, aimed to link its two colonies. An initial compromise was signed in 1890, providing for a zone administered jointly by both countries, but it was not ratified by Portugal. A new treaty signed on 11 June 1891 abandoned this idea in favor of the British, while guaranteeing Mozambique a substantial hinterland.
Differences in interpretation of the spheres of influence nevertheless emerged regarding the Manica Plateau. The concepts of plateau edge and slope proved difficult to determine on the ground. Furthermore, no reference language had been defined during the drafting of the treaty, leading to differing interpretations. A precise definition of the border was ultimately achieved through arbitration requested from Italy, resulting in the decision of 30 January 1897.
The British-controlled area took the name Rhodesia in 1895.
The border region was again subject to tensions following Mozambique's independence in 1975. The colonial government of Southern Rhodesia had unilaterally opted for independence in 1965 and faced an armed struggle seeking recognition of indigenous rights. Independent Mozambique supported this rebellion, and the Rhodesian army regularly crossed the border to attack ZANU and ZAPU camps from 1976 to 1979, prior to the regime change that led to the establishment of Zimbabwe in 1980.