Wikipedia:Today's featured article/December 21, 2025
The Rhodesian government actively recruited white personnel from other countries from the mid-1970s until 1980 to address manpower shortages in the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Rhodesian Bush War. Between 800 and 2,000 foreign volunteers enlisted. This was controversial as international sanctions banned military assistance for Rhodesia due to its illegal declaration of independence and the white minority's dominance. The volunteers were often labelled as mercenaries by opponents of the Rhodesian regime, though the government did not regard or pay them as such. The volunteers were motivated by opposition to governments led by black people, anti-communism, a desire for adventure, racism, and economic hardship. They were considered unreliable by the Rhodesian government and often treated poorly by their comrades; this contributed to many deserting. Some modern far-right and white supremacist groups celebrate the volunteers. (Full article...)