International Conference in Support of Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia, Maputo, 16-21 May 1977

The Secretary-General of the UN, Kurt Waldheim, formally opened the International Conference in Support of Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia, held in Maputo, 16-21 May 1977. President Samora Machel of Mozambique and the Administrative Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), William Eteki Mboumoua, addressed the ceremonial opening session, in addition to Secretary-General Waldheim. At the start of the meeting, delegations rose for a minute of silence in memory of those who had fallen in the struggle for self-determination and independence. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Foreign Minister of Mozambique, was elected by acclamation as President of the Conference. Eighty-seven countries are participating in the Conference, which was organized following a decision of the UN General Assembly last December. Also represented are the OAU, liberation movements, bodies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Foreign Minister of Mozambique and President of the Maputo Conference, gestures as he greets participants at the opening of the rally.

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