08/08/2024
Below is a list of African countries that were decolonized with the assistance of both China and the Soviet Union (Russia), including the relevant dates and a brief description of the support provided.
# # # 1. **Algeria**
- **Date of Independence:** 1962 (from France)
- **Chinese Support:** China provided diplomatic and moral support to the National Liberation Front (FLN) during the Algerian War of Independence.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union provided military training, arms, and financial support to the FLN, significantly aiding their struggle against French colonial forces.
# # # 2. **Angola**
- **Date of Independence:** 1975 (from Portugal)
- **Chinese Support:** China supported the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) and provided military aid and training during the Angolan War of Independence.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union primarily supported the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), providing substantial military assistance and advisors, which played a critical role in the eventual victory of the MPLA.
# # # 3. **Mozambique**
- **Date of Independence:** 1975 (from Portugal)
- **Chinese Support:** China provided military support and training to the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), helping them in their struggle against Portuguese colonial forces.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union also supported FRELIMO with military aid, training, and diplomatic backing, complementing Chinese assistance during the Mozambican War of Independence.
# # # 4. **Guinea-Bissau**
- **Date of Independence:** 1974 (from Portugal)
- **Chinese Support:** China supported the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) by providing arms, training, and diplomatic support.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union provided substantial military aid, including weapons and training, to the PAIGC, which was crucial in their fight against Portuguese colonial rule.
# # # 5. **Zimbabwe**
- **Date of Independence:** 1980 (from Britain)
- **Chinese Support:** China supported the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) by providing military training and arms during the Rhodesian Bush War.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union supported the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) with military aid and training, which was another significant force in the struggle for independence.
# # # 6. **Namibia**
- **Date of Independence:** 1990 (from South Africa)
- **Chinese Support:** China supported the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) with military aid and training during their fight for independence from South African rule.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union provided substantial military and financial support to SWAPO, contributing to their struggle against South African occupation and eventual independence.
# # # 7. **Tanzania**
- **Date of Independence:** 1961 (from Britain)
- **Chinese Support:** China provided economic and infrastructural assistance to Tanzania post-independence, including the construction of the TAZARA Railway, which was crucial for linking Tanzania and Zambia.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union provided diplomatic support and some economic aid to Tanzania after its independence, aligning with their shared anti-imperialist stance.
# # # 8. **Ethiopia**
- **Date of Revolution:** 1974 (Abolition of Monarchy)
- **Chinese Support:** Although not a case of decolonization from European powers, China supported Ethiopia during the Derg regime (post-1974 revolution) with military and economic assistance.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union played a major role in supporting the Derg regime, providing extensive military aid and advisors during the Ethiopian Civil War, particularly against the Eritrean separatists and internal opposition.
# # # 9. **South Africa**
- **Date of Majority Rule:** 1994 (End of Apartheid)
- **Chinese Support:** China provided diplomatic and moral support to the African National Congress (ANC) in its struggle against apartheid.
- **Soviet Support:** The Soviet Union was a key supporter of the ANC, providing military training, arms, and financial assistance during the anti-apartheid struggle.
These countries benefited from the strategic support of both China and the Soviet Union during their decolonization and independence struggles, which were often part of the broader Cold War dynamics between the Eastern Bloc and Western powers.
