Ian Smith vs Kim Yong-nam

Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front government issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain on November 11, 1965, to maintain white minority rule. Britain and the UN imposed sanctions, but Smith's regime survived with support from South Africa and Portugal.

Smith's government declared Rhodesia a republic, severing the last constitutional ties with Britain. This move was rejected internationally, and no country recognized the republic. It solidified Rhodesia's pariah status and deepened its isolation.

Smith signed an Internal Settlement with moderate black leaders, including Bishop Abel Muzorewa, creating the short-lived Zimbabwe Rhodesia. The settlement excluded the main nationalist groups (ZANU and ZAPU) and was rejected by the international community, failing to end the war.

Smith was forced to accept the Lancaster House Agreement, which ended white minority rule and led to internationally recognized elections. Robert Mugabe's ZANU won, and Smith's Rhodesian Front lost power. Smith remained in Zimbabwe as an opposition MP until 1987.

Kim Yong-nam was appointed President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in 1998, making him the ceremonial head of state of North Korea. He held this position until 2019, representing the country in diplomatic functions.

Kim Yong-nam led a North Korean delegation to the second inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang in October 2007. He met with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, discussing economic cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Yong-nam attended the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as the head of a high-level North Korean delegation. This was a rare visit by a North Korean official to the South, signaling a temporary thaw in relations.

Kim Yong-nam retired from his position as President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in April 2019, after serving for 21 years. He was replaced by Choe Ryong-hae, marking a generational shift in North Korea's leadership.