March 6,1980: Prime Minister-designate Robert Mugabe (Left) forms a coalition government with his war-time guerrilla ally, Joshua Nkomo (right), giving them a combined 77 out of 100 seats in the new executive National Assembly. And the two agreed in principle that Nkomo will become independent Zimbabwe’s first titular President. Mr. Mugabe also sought entry into the 42-nation Commonwealth. At a meeting with British Governor Lord Soames, he asked that initiative be started to ensure his country’s membership. A Zanu PF spokesman Justin Nyoka also announced that Lt-Gen. Peter Walls, the White commander of the Rhodesian regulars who battled Mugabe’s guerrillas for seven years, has accepted a request to stay on after Britain hands over power in about three weeks to the new Black government. London sources said a senior member of the Royal family – possibly Prince Charles, heir to the throne, or Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg – would probably fly to Salisbury for the independence ceremony. Officials said the date of actual independence had not yet been decided.

Photo|Nation Syndication