What was the South African Border War?
Q: What was the South African Border War?
A: The South African Border War was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1990 primarily in South West Africa (now Namibia) between South Africa on one side and the South-West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) and its allies on the other.
Q: What were the roots of this conflict?
A: The roots of this conflict can be traced back to World War I, when South Africa invaded and conquered the colony of German South West Africa on behalf of the British Empire and other Allies of World War I.
Q: How did SWAPO come into existence?
A: In 1962, SWAPO was formed to resist South African rule and petition for South West African independence. With support from the Soviet Union, SWAPO began training guerrillas and from 1966 onwards frequently clashed with the South African police and army.
Q: How did Cuba become involved in this war?
A: In 1975, when Angola gained independence and its new communist government began providing support to the guerrillas, Cuba sent troops to bolster the Angolan government which led to direct involvement in some battles with the Angolan army.
Q: What agreement ended this war?
A: In 1988, a Tripartite Accord was signed by South Africa, Angola, and Cuba committing them to peace. This accord stated that ifSouth Africa withdrew fromSouth West Africagranting itindependence thenCuba would withdrawfromAngola.
Q: When did Namibia gain independence?
A: Namibia gained independence in early 1990 as a result ofthe Tripartite Accord signed bySouthAfrica,AngolaandCuba.
