In the late 1980s, Zimbabwe was grappling with severe political strife, particularly in the Matabeleland region. Following independence in 1980, tensions had escalated between the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), particularly as ZANU, led by President Robert Mugabe, tightened its grip on power. The conflict, known as Gukurahundi, saw state security forces engage violently with dissident groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread suffering among the civilian population. The violence disproportionately affected the Ndebele people, who were predominantly associated with ZAPU and its leader, Joshua Nkomo.The agreement reached on December 22, 1987, was significant for both parties. It marked a pivotal moment whereby ZANU and ZAPU recognized the need for collaboration in the interest of national stability and reconciliation. Under pressure to curb the violence and restore normalcy, Mugabe and Nkomo initiated talks that led to the signing of the agreement, which encompassed measures aimed at disbanding armed groups and promoting political inclusivity. The deal was emblematic of the political maneuvering in post-colonial Africa, where former enemies often sought to consolidate their power through alliance rather than prolonged conflict. This accord laid the groundwork for the eventual unity of the two parties, culminating in the formation of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), effectively consolidating Mugabe's power and establishing a single-party dominance in Zimbabwean politics going forward.