ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the value of the United Nations as a mechanism for crisis management and conflict control through a thorough analysis of the Namibian issue, the oldest and perhaps one of the most intractable issues confronting the Organization. Washington would then pressure South Africa to accept UN Security Council resolution 435 of 1978, which calls for a withdrawal of South African troops from Namibia and UN supervised elections leading to Namibian independence. The stumbling block for Pretoria's grand designs would be the hold under UN supervision, of free elections in Namibia, which in all likelihood would bring a South West Africa People's Organization victory. The Francophone states seem to support South Africa's suggestion that all significant Namibia groups and tribes be accommodated before an election takes place, and by implication are legitimizina the internal parties. Zambia and the other Front Line States acknowledge South Africa's regional dominance.
