The Patriotic Front

The credibility of ZIPA has been particularly thrown into question by the 'Patriotic Front" the alliance hastily formed by Mugabe and Nkomo for the Geneva talks. From Nkomo's point of view, this alliance with the supposed leader of the guerilla forces, is an attempt to overcome his lack of support within the army. From Mugabe's point of view the alliance with imperialism's favourite is an attempt to gain a prominent place for himself and his colleagues in any interim government that might be setup as a result of Geneva.

As was the case with ZIPA. the formation of the Patriotic Front was consciously fostered by the Front-line states in a further attempt to provide some form of cohesion that could be presented at Geneva. The alliance can thus only be seen as fulfilling imperialism's need transmitted through the Front line states, for its main choice (Nkomo) to appear to have the support of the army. It must also be seen as a further attempt to isolate and minimize the influence of Muzorewa and Sithole.