independence

The negotiated independence had many outcomes to African countries. The following are some of those effects:

1. Independence was achieved without bloodshed. This was possible due to the pressure put on the colonialists;
2. Introduction of multi-party systems in the colonies. These parties fought for independence of their countries. Their goal was to govern their countries replacing the colonial governments. For example, in Tanganyika parties such as TANU, ANC, UTP and AMNUT were formed;
3. Establishment of political party branches across the country. These branches served as centres for spreading ideologies and messages from the top leadership. Similarly, these branches were also responsible for receiving the views and grievances from the members;accused of opposing two district commissioners. Judgement of his case was a fine of Tshs 3 000.00 or six months imprisonment. He paid the fine and continued with the struggle.

This technique was used to fight for independence in colonies that had a good number of European settlers. The settlers owned large tracts of fertile land and mines. They also established factories and large plantations for crop production and livestock keeping in the colonies. Other settlers became citizens in the colonies and were not ready to leave their possessions. In general, the settlers were economically and politically powerful. Examples of countries that had settlers include Algeria, Angola, Kenya, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, and Guinea Bissau. The liberation movements in these colonies used arms to struggle for independence. Africans also appealed for support from Non-Aligned countries. A good example of such countries is China and Cuba. The nationalist political parties provided military training to young people. They trained young people to fight the colonial forces. They also sought to destroy properties, settler settlements, infrastructure and investments of the colonialists until independence was achieved.

The following are the impacts of the armed struggle for independence:

1. Freedom was gained through bloodshed and the destruction of several properties. The settlers, citizens, militants and leaders were killed during the battles;
2. Leaders and freedom fighters were forced to live in exile in friendly countries;
3. These liberation wars lasted for many years. For example, liberation struggles took ten years in Mozambique and Angola; 24 years in Namibia; and 33 years in South Africa. This affected many Africans;
4. Military training and coordination of liberation struggles were done in exile because of the restrictions posed by the colonialists. For example, the Mozambican FRELIMO militants and South African ANC activists were hosted by Tanzania where they received military training;
5. Presence of refugees in some African countries as a result of wars in their country. For example in Tanzania, Ruvuma, Mtwara and Lindi Regions hosted many refugees from Mozambique;
6. Several party leaders and militants were imprisoned to weaken their parties and suppress the independence movement. The pressure from the public, however, increased and independence was achieved;

This technique was used when the colonialists handed over power to their few puppets instead of handing it over to the majority. The colonialists wanted to ensure that their interests were protected even after independence. In addition, they wanted the settlers or feudal lords (mwinyi) to retain the status of the ruling class and the Africans to be treated as slaves in their own country after independence. Examples of the countries that gained independence through revolution in Africa are Zanzibar and Egypt. Patriots were forced to overthrow the established puppet governments. The tactics they used were similar to the armed struggle. The leaders of the liberation movement formed and trained special revolutionary forces. The revolutionary leaders formed their own governments that included various groups of citizens. They also established diplomatic relations with friendly countries in order to get material and financial support.

The following are the effects of the revolution:

1. Puppets and settlers had to surrender to the mass after the revolution;
2. True independence for the majority was achieved. It was often a true independence because every citizen felt being part of the struggle for independence;
3. Citizens formed their own governments;
4. People died and many properties were destroyed during the fight; and
5. Countries that earned their independence through revolution maintained political, economic, and social changes.