The Zimbabwe Liberation Army (ZLA) was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), which fought against British colonial rule and white minority rule in what was then known as Rhodesia. Established in the 1960s, the ZLA aimed to achieve independence for Zimbabwe through armed struggle, employing guerrilla tactics to challenge the government. The ZLA played a significant role in the Zimbabwean War of Liberation, which lasted until 1979. This conflict ultimately led to the recognition of Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, with Robert Mugabe becoming the country's first Prime Minister. The ZLA's efforts were crucial in shaping Zimbabwe's political landscape.