All this brought Rhodesia to the negotiating table with moderate African leaders , leading to the Internal Settlement under which Rhodesia became Zimbabwe Rhodesia . The Commonwealth flatly refused to recognise Rhodesia-Zimbabwe , and did not lift its sanctions . At the 1979 CHOGM , the Heads of Government issued the Lusaka Declaration , once again committing itself to ending racial discrimination . The official communiqué of the meeting invited Rhodesia-Zimbabwe 's new Prime Minister Abel Muzorewa and Ian Smith to a constitutional convention with the leading guerilla leaders , giving rise to the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979
1979 CHOGM
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1979
Zimbabwe and the Commonwealth of Nations