National Unity Day in Zimbabwe commemorates the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987, a pivotal agreement that brought an end to political violence and division between the country's two major liberation parties: ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) and ZAPU (Zimbabwe African People's Union).

When is National Unity Day?

National Unity Day is a national public holiday observed annually on December 22nd.

The following is the list of National Unity Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Unity Day?

National Unity Day marks a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe's post-independence history. The accord aimed to end violent political conflict and unite the country under a single party and national identity.

After Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, political rivalry between ZANU-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, and PF-ZAPU, led by Joshua Nkomo, escalated.

The two liberation parties had different military wings and ethnic strongholds: ZANU was predominantly Shona, while ZAPU was predominantly Ndebele.

Accusations of sabotage and arms stockpiling led to the Gukurahundi period (1983–1987), during which a military unit loyal to Mugabe was deployed to Matabeleland and Midlands, resulting in widespread human rights violations and the deaths of an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 civilians.

To halt the violence and political instability, Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo held negotiations, culminating in the signing of the Unity Accord on December 22, 1987.

The following are the key outcomes of the accord:

– PF-ZAPU was merged into ZANU-PF
– Joshua Nkomo was appointed Vice President
– Political hostilities officially ended
– A vision of national unity and reconciliation was adopted

National Unity Day was established as a public holiday shortly after the signing of the Unity Accord, and it commemorates the end of armed political conflict and recognizes the importance of peace, and unity.