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UNIP (Zambia)

See also:

UNIP pre-independence flag

image by Jaume Ollé, 2 Jan 2002

There is a bit of confusion with the flag of UNIP. The pre-independence flag was published in Flag Bulletin III 1. The 'U' is for UNIP and for also stands for Ubuntungwa (freedom). The tool, a hoe, is typical from the region. The border is for copper.

The post-independence flag is more difficult. Flaggenmitteilung (Issue 37) illustrates it as green, white and red, but the symbolism of these colours is not clear. This flag could be a mis-interpretation, an unofficial variant, or the flag of a different party (but I believe that after independence Zambia was a single party state a few years ago). Francois Burgos describes the UNIP flag (even before independence) as being green with three stripes (red, black and yellow) with the same device as on the old flag but only the tool (no color is quoted but surely white) and word "UNITY" below (in white). After independence, Burgos says that the flag was adopted as national flag, adding the eagle which is a bit different from that in the coat of arms, over the stripes that were reduced to 1/3 the width of the flag. The yellow stripe was changed to copper (close to orange), because copper was the main product of the country.
Jaume Ollé, 2 Jan 2002

UNIP possible flag #1

image by Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

Most flag books mention that the current national flag of Zambia was derived from the flag of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), where yellow stripe was replaced by orange. "Flags through the Ages and across the World", 1975 (Dutch edition 1976), states that UNIP had a four-colored flag of green, red, black and yellow.
Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

UNIP possible flag #2

image by Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

On this page is written: "Smith (1980) reported the current Zambian flag is based on the flag of UNIP (United National Independence Party) that led the struggle for independence. However, according to Flaggenmitteilung, the flag of UNIP was vertical green, white, red (4:1:1). Željko Heimer, Jaume Ollé, 3 Aug 1997"
Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

UNIP flag on a stamp

scan by Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

In my stamp-collection I found a stamp commemorating the birth of the 2nd Republic, 13-12-72, with an image of the UNIP-headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. The emblem is on the front, but nearly obliterated by an advertisement. From the scan I have made of it. it seems clear that the colours are green - yellow - black - red (5:1:1:1?); on the green field something seems to be written.
Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

UNIP possible flag #4

image by Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

Image based on the stamp (see above). However, Crampton's Grote Geïllustreerde Vlaggengids, 1990, states: UNIP: Green, with vertical red, black and orange stripes at the fly; in the center a hoe and the word "UNITY".
Jarig Bakker, 24 Dec 2001

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