Abel Muzorewa

Abel Muzorewa's story is one of a religious leader thrust into the heart of a violent political storm. As a bishop in the United Methodist Church, he initially emerged as a moderate voice in the movement for what was then Rhodesia's independence. His appeal lay in his non-violent stance and spiritual authority during the bitter guerrilla war. In 1979, he became the central figure in the 'Internal Settlement,' a deal between the white minority government of Ian Smith and some black nationalist groups. This agreement created 'Zimbabwe Rhodesia' with Muzorewa as its first—and only—black Prime Minister. To his supporters, it was a step toward majority rule; to the revolutionary parties of Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, it was a illegitimate puppet regime. Lasting less than a year, his government was rejected by both the international community and, ultimately, the majority of voters, who swept Mugabe to power in the 1980 elections. Muzorewa's premiership remains a controversial footnote, a testament to the immense difficulty of finding a peaceful compromise in a conflict defined by radical extremes.