The UN Plan for Namibian independence is laid out in Security Council Resolution 435 of 1978 and a number of other documents. The following timetable has been drawn up on the basis of these documents and the timing specified in Security Council Resolution 629 of 1989. Some changes may be introduced during the process.
1 April UN Special Representative and UN Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), consisting of military and civilian personnel, arrive in Namibia. UN oversees ceasefire already in force: SWAPO and South African forces, including South West Africa Territory Force (SWATF) confined to base. UN monitors police forces. Release of political prisoners and detainees begins.
Mid-April Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) established 50 kilometres either side of Namibian/Angolan and Namibian/Zambian borders - but 'selected locations' exempt until end of June.
Mid-May South African military forces reduced to 12,000. SWATF command structures dismantled, including Area Force Units: South African troops in SWATF withdrawn and military equipment placed under UN supervision. Exiles and refugees begin to return. All discriminatory and restrictive legislation repealed.
Early June South African force levels reduced to 8,000. Completion of release of political prisoners and detainees.
1 July All South African military bases closed except Grootfontein and Oshivello: South African forces reduced to 1,500. Official start of election campaign. Voter registration begins.
Early November National election of Constituent Assembly.
Mid-November All remaining South African troops withdrawn and military facilities closed. Constituent Assembly convened to draw up constitution.
Unspecified date Independence - anticipated within five months of election.
