South African Border War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South African Border War
Clockwise from top left: FAPLA MiG-21bis on an airstrip; FAPLA or Cuban T-62 tank captured by the SADF; 1981 protests against SADF aggression in Angola; Soviet advisor with FAPLA subordinates; G6 howitzers just prior to their deployment to Cuito Cuanavale; South African expeditionary troops in the operational area
Date 26 August 1966 – 21 March 1990 (23 years, 6 months, 3 weeks and 2 days) Location Southern Africa – Namibia and Angola Result Three Powers Accord Withdrawal of all foreign forces from Angola by New York Accords signed on 22 December 1988. Independence of a democratic Namibia on 21 March 1990 following elections. Continued civil war in Angola.
Belligerents
1966–1974:  South Africa Portugal	1966–1974: MPLA UNITA FNLA SWAPO
1975–1990:  South Africa UNITA FNLA	1975–1990: MPLA  Cuba SWAPO MK
Casualties and losses
1,804 dead 2,989 killed 7,421 dead  ??	?? 2,289–5,000 dead (whole Angolan civil war figure) 11,335 dead

The South African Border War was a long conflict that happened mostly in a place called South-West Africa (which is now Namibia). It lasted from 1966 to 1990. This war was mainly between South Africa and a group called the South-West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), along with their friends and allies.

How the Conflict Started

The story of this war goes back to World War I. During that war, South Africa invaded and took control of a German colony called German South-West Africa. This was done to help the British Empire and its allies.

After World War I

After Germany lost World War I, a group called the League of Nations gave South Africa a special job. South Africa was told to manage the territory until the people living there were ready to rule themselves. This was called a "mandate."

After World War II

After World War II, the United Nations (a new international group) wanted South Africa to give up its control of South-West Africa. They suggested a "Trusteeship agreement." However, South Africa refused. Instead, South Africa wanted to make South-West Africa its fifth province. They even allowed white people in South-West Africa to vote for representatives in the South African Parliament.

SWAPO and the Fight for Independence

In 1962, a group called SWAPO was formed. Their goal was to fight against South African rule and gain independence for South-West Africa. SWAPO got help from the Soviet Union. They began training fighters, also known as guerrillas. From 1966 onwards, these fighters often clashed with the South African police and army.

The War Expands

The war changed a lot in 1975. This was when Angola became an independent country. Angola's new government, which was communist, started to support the SWAPO fighters.

Battles in Angola

Because Angola was helping SWAPO, South African troops began to launch attacks into Angola. Their goal was to destroy SWAPO bases. These attacks led to battles with the Angolan army. Cuba had sent its own troops to help the Angolan government, and they also got involved in some of these battles.

Peace and Independence

In 1988, South Africa, Angola, and Cuba signed an important agreement called the Tripartite Accord. This agreement was a promise to work towards peace.

The Agreement's Outcome

As part of the agreement, Cuba agreed to take its troops out of Angola. In return, South Africa agreed to leave South-West Africa and grant it independence. South-West Africa finally became an independent country called Namibia in early 1990.

Images for kids

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  Sam Nujoma, founder and leader of SWAPO.

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  Equipment of Soviet origin supplied to SWAPO. From left to right: satchel, Dragunov sniper rifle, PG-7V RPG projectile, and RPG-7 launcher.

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  South African armoured column in Ohangwena, 1970s.

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  South African troops during Operation Savannah.

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  Cuban-manned PT-76 tank in the streets of Luanda, 1976.

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  Soviet training instructors with PLAN recruits, late 1970s.

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  SADF sentries on border duty.

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  Members of 44 Parachute Brigade in training.

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  Geopolitical situation, 1978–79.      SWAPO allies      South African allies      South West Africa (Namibia)      South Africa

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  PLAN guerrillas on the march.

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  FAPLA T-34-85 tank captured by the SADF during Operation Protea.

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  Soviet military advisers planning FAPLA operations in southern Angola.

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  FAPLA 9K31 Strela-1 air defence system captured by the SADF during Operation Askari.

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  UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.

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  South African Atlas Cheetah fighter.

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  Signal bell used by FAPLA's 47 Infantry Brigade at the Lomba River.

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  SADF Mirage F1s in close formation.

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  Cuban S-125 "SA-3 Goa" missile systems on parade.

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  Chester Crocker, US diplomat.

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  UNTAG checkpoint at Ondangwa, June 1989.

See also

In Spanish: Guerra de la frontera de Sudáfrica para niños