UNSC Resolution 268 condemned Portugal's military actions in Zambia during the Cold War.

During the Cold War era, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 268, which censured Portugal for its military incursions into Zambia and demanded the immediate return of kidnapped civilians. This resolution directly addressed the rising tensions in Southern Africa, where Portugal, at the time an imperial power, was involved in conflicts related to its colonies. Portugal's military operations in Zambia were a consequence of its attempts to suppress liberation movements in its colonies, particularly in Angola and Mozambique. Zambia, having gained independence from the United Kingdom, supported anti-colonial movements and became a target for Portuguese military actions. These incursions were part of broader conflicts in the region as various groups sought independence from colonial rule. The adoption of Resolution 268 at the UNSC highlighted the international community's growing concern over colonial violence and the destabilizing impact on neighboring states. The resolution demanded Portugal cease its military aggression and called for the safe return of civilians abducted during these conflicts. This was indicative of the broader decolonization movement gaining momentum globally and the increasing pressure on colonial powers to grant independence to their colonies. The impact of this resolution was multifaceted. It underscored the legitimacy of independence movements and the broader global condemnation of colonialism. Furthermore, it spotlighted the plight of smaller nations like Zambia embroiled in the geopolitical struggles of the time. The resolution also reflected how the international arena, particularly platforms like the UN, were being utilized to address and mediate conflicts originating from colonial legacies. Statistics related to this conflict indicate that numerous cross-border attacks occurred during this period, with several reported abductions and casualties among civilians. The resolution was part of a series of international efforts aimed at decolonization, which gradually led to the independence of Portuguese colonies by the mid-1970s. #UNSC #ColonialConflict #Zambia #Portugal #Decolonization #HumanRights #InternationalRelations #MoofLife