20th century
Namibia
UN Security Council Resolution 385, adopted in 1976, established a framework for Namibia’s transition to independence. It required the South African administration to give way to a temporary United Nations authority responsible for free and fair elections, and it envisaged the return of Walvis Bay to Namibia. South Africa rejected the resolution, while later negotiations produced Resolution 435, which altered the proposed administrative and territorial arrangements.
Continue exploring
The Story
In 1976, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 385 as a framework for ending South African administration in Namibia. The resolution envisaged a transition to independence managed through a temporary UN authority rather than through a constitutional arrangement controlled by South Africa. Its central political objective was the holding of free and fair elections.
Resolution 385 also provided for Walvis Bay to be returned to Namibia. This territorial provision distinguished it from the later agreement associated with Resolution 435, which excluded Walvis Bay. The port’s status therefore became one of the important differences between the two diplomatic frameworks.
South Africa refused to accept Resolution 385. The pages describe Western governments, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, as seeking an independent Namibia aligned with their interests while also attempting to prevent economic sanctions against South Africa. Negotiations subsequently produced Resolution 435, under which South Africa would remain in place during elections held under UN supervision.
20th century
Namibia
UN Security Council Resolution 385, adopted in 1976, established a framework for Namibia’s transition to independence. It required the South African administration to give way to a temporary United Nations authority responsible for free and fair elections, and it envisaged the return of Walvis Bay to Namibia. South Africa rejected the resolution, while later negotiations produced Resolution 435, which altered the proposed administrative and territorial arrangements.
Continue exploring
The Story
In 1976, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 385 as a framework for ending South African administration in Namibia. The resolution envisaged a transition to independence managed through a temporary UN authority rather than through a constitutional arrangement controlled by South Africa. Its central political objective was the holding of free and fair elections.
Resolution 385 also provided for Walvis Bay to be returned to Namibia. This territorial provision distinguished it from the later agreement associated with Resolution 435, which excluded Walvis Bay. The port’s status therefore became one of the important differences between the two diplomatic frameworks.
South Africa refused to accept Resolution 385. The pages describe Western governments, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, as seeking an independent Namibia aligned with their interests while also attempting to prevent economic sanctions against South Africa. Negotiations subsequently produced Resolution 435, under which South Africa would remain in place during elections held under UN supervision.
Continue the journey
Other paths related to this story.