News on Angola
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Foreign Minister Briefs Diplomats on Developments in Peace Process
Televisao Popular de Angola on March 16
Foreign Minister Venancio de Moura today met with the diplomatic corps to brief them on the latest developments in the peace process. The government is concerned about the obstacles created by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] in the process at a time when everything seemed to move smoothly. In its recent declaration, UNITA linked its political legality to its leader' s political status, jeopardizing the high hopes created around the peace process. Thus, Angolan Foreign Minister Venancio de Moura this afternoon held a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to Angola.
Territorial Administration Minister Faustino Muteka said the meeting's main objective was to once again alert the national and international communities about the dangers created by one of the signatories to the Lusaka Protocol. The meeting took place behind closed doors.
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President Dos Santos Appoints New Governors Proposed by UNITA
Text of press communique issued by the Office of the President of the Republic, broadcast by Angolan Television on March 16
Within the framework of the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol and taking into account the timetable approved by the Joint Commission, his excellency the president of the republic today issued two decrees relieving Manuel Goncalves Mwandumba, Serafim Ananito Alexandre and Manuel Dala, from their posts as governors of Uige, Lunda Sul and Cuando Cubango Provinces, respectively.
To fill the above posts, the head of state appointed new governors proposed by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA]. They are Joao Domingos Manzahila, Domingos Oliveira and Jose Cativa, who will be governors of Uige, Lunda Sul, and Cuando Cubango Provinces, respectively.
The president of the republic also appointed the following deputy governors proposed by UNITA: Bernardo Prata, Americo Chimina, Moises Chivemba, Jose Soma Gaspar, Manuel Bunjo, Antonio Tonga, and Campos Tomas, deputy governors of Benguela, Huambo, Bie, Huila, Luanda, Cuanza Sul, and Bengo Provinces, respectively.
[Issued by] Office of the President of the Republic in Luanda, 16th March 1998.
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Former UNITA Secretary-General Said to Have
Upset Savimbi with Radio Interview
Portuguese Renascenca Radio on March 17
The former UNITA [National Union for the Total Independence of Angola] secretary-general [Eugenio Manuvakola] has been distanced from the movement. A UNITA communiqu‚ says that Eugenio Manuvakola deliberately violated the party's statutes. However, that was not the only reason. An interview with Angolan national radio could have made [UNITA leader] Jonas Savimbi angry. In the interview, the secretary-general accused the UNITA leader of being against the peace process.
[Manuvakola - recording] I do not see any valid, visible objectives as an alternative to the peace process. Dr. Savimbi should think clearly about this because this process is becoming ridiculous. His attitude to the peace process is ridiculous. I cannot see what other alternatives Dr. Savimbi can offer his supporters and the Angolan people, other than what is in the peace process - participation in democracy and national reconstruction. [End of recording]
That was an excerpt from Manuvakola's interview. He went so far as to ask the party's leadership to leave Savimbi to shout alone in the wilderness.
[Manuvakola - recording] I would like to warn those members that they should abandon these ideas and leave Dr. Savimbi to shout alone in the wilderness because at the moment the conditions do not exist for UNITA to fight a war. [End of recording]
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South African Minister Ends Visit, Comments on "Mercenary Activities"
Radio Nacional de Angola on March 13
South African Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo has ended a five-hour visit to Angola. During his visit he reached an agreement with the Angolan authorities about the date for South African President Nelson Mandela' s visit to our country. Before leaving Luanda, Alfred Nzo addressed a news conference at the airport. In the studio with me is Francisco Pedro. Good evening.
[Pedro] Good evening, [presenter] Raul Danda.
[Danda] You attended the news conference. When is Nelson Mandela coming to Angola?
[Pedro] Nelson Mandela will arrive on 14th April. Alfred Nzo was in Angola to prepare for his visit. He revealed at a news conference that South Africa proposed this date to the Angolan government. At the news conference Alfred Nzo reiterated his government's readiness to create mechanisms which will halt assistance to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] from South Africa. He said one of the measures was the banning of mercenary activities by South African units or individuals living in that country.
[Unidentified South African official in Portuguese, translating for Nzo -recording] In view of our past - the former South African government - there are still elements in South Africa who favor a situation of instability in Angola. The minister has also said it is very difficult to control all flights coming from South Africa. For example, there are 250 private airports. He also said some people lie, saying they are going to Zambia or Zaire and end up in Angola. What is important to know is that the South African government does not in any way support these flights or these people. The warning by President Mandela can be viewed as an effort by our government to strengthen the Angolan peace process. A few weeks ago, our government approved a number of laws banning these mercenary activities. We shall by law establish a mechanism to halt these activities. This will be our contribution towards ending these activities. The South African delegation proposed 14th April as the date for President Nelson Mandela's visit to Angola. The date has not yet been finalized but we proposed 14th April. [End of recording]
Meanwhile, Angolan Foreign Minister Venancio de Moura said continued assistance to UNITA from South Africa could affect the existing good relations between the two countries.
[De Moura - recording] In the past we knew who was our enemy in South Africa. Today, we are two friendly governments. Unfortunately, there are opportunists who continue to use our territories to mount operations, which can affect the good and harmonious relations the two countries desire to have. We believe South Africa will continue to make efforts to reduce, if not eliminate, these obstacles - which can jeopardize our political relations - for the sake of the two people's wellbeing and the strengthening of economic and trade relations, as well as for the movement of people and goods. [End of recording]
Also today, South Africa and Angola reached verbal agreements during the visit. The Angolan government presented three draft agreements on general cooperation, elimination of visas for diplomats on duty and the creation of an Angolan-South African joint commission.
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Government, Troika React to UNITA Statement Rejecting Legalization
Televisao Popular de Angola on March 12
The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] today rejected the government's declaration legalizing it as a political party. UNITA alleges that the government failed to promulgate - at the same time - the special status of its leader Jonas Savimbi. UNITA says it will not begin operating from Luanda before civilians are disarmed. This is undoubtedly the first problem Alioune Blondin Beye, special representative of the UN secretary-general, faced today at a time when he was holding a meeting at his residence with peace negotiators to celebrate the achievements made over the past few days.
Our reporter Goncalves Ihangica has the reactions of the troika of observers and the government on UNITA's latest position.
[Inhangica - recording] Good evening. When everything seemed to be running smoothly, a bucket of cold water has come from Andulo. UNITA categorically rejects the government's declaration legalizing it as a political party. This evening the UN special representative met the main negotiators of the peace process who reacted to UNITA's statement. Portuguese Ambassador Ramalho Ortigao said:
[Ortigao] I am not aware of this declaration.
[Ihangica] Mr. Ambassador, what is the troika's assessment of the government's tasks?
[Ortigao] We are happy with the tasks the government has been implementing. We hope that the remaining tasks will be implemented as soon as possible.
[Ihangica] Is the troika of observers satisfied with the justification of Gen. Higino Carneiro concerning the fact that nothing has been published on Dr. Savimbi's special status?
[Ortigao] We are expecting the government to publish the status soon.
[Ihangica] I asked whether you are happy with this argument.
[Ortigao] And I am saying that I am expecting the government to promulgate Dr Savimbi's status soon.
[Ihangica] Mr. Ambassador, the UNITA leadership says it will not operate from Luanda before civilians are disarmed.
[Ortigao] Each task has its turn and I have not heard this statement from UNITA. I do not even know when it was made. I hope the UNITA leadership will come to Luanda in compliance with the timetable that was agreed upon in the Joint Commission.
[US Ambassador Donald Steinberg] There is no linkage of the two issues and UNITA has pledged to bring its leaders to Luanda before the end of the month.
[Ihangica] The UNITA secretary-general says the statement on UNITA's demilitarization was a document enforced by the mediators and the government.
[Steinberg] This was a UNITA action and it was not forced on anyone. After verifying this UNOMA [UN Observer Mission in Angola] declaration, we thought it was important to legalize the UNITA party. We have to focus our attention on what was achieved this week, that is the legalization of UNITA party. UNITA is now free to begin political activities throughout the country and this is an important action.
[Ihangica] Mr. Deputy Minister, the latest statement by the UNITA leadership seems to be a bucket of cold water for the peace process.
[Deputy Territorial Administration Minister Higino Carneiro] I do not know. You are the ones who told me that UNITA issued the communiqu‚. We are not worried because if UNITA is an opposition party, undoubtedly its task will always be to create difficulties for the government.
[Ihangica] They do not view favorably the fact that the government yesterday legalized UNITA as a political party and failed to promulgate its leader's special status.
[Carneiro] They know the reason so there is no need to repeat it. This issue was discussed many times by the Joint Commission. That is even the reason why the head of the UNITA delegation is not in Luanda but in Andulo waiting for them to decide so that we may issue a declaration.
[Ihangica] They are saying that the UNITA leadership will not operate from Luanda before civilians are disarmed.
[Carneiro] This is UNITA's problem, not ours.
[Ihangica] Is there any progress on the reinstatement of state administration in the so-called sensitive areas?
[Carneiro] The process was scheduled to begin yesterday. However, for reasons beyond our control and because of certain arrangements that needed to be made by UNITA officials in Malanje, the process will only begin tomorrow.
[Ihangica] How is the process of demobilization, which was due to begin yesterday?
[Carneiro] We have heard from UNOMA and the Humanitarian Coordination Unit that two teams have been sent to Bailundo and Andulo to work on the issue. We are awaiting to hear the outcome.
[Ihangica] Another issue, about 60 areas need to be reinstated under state administration after the rainy season. What will the situation of these areas be? Who will control the movement and life of these populations?
[Carneiro] We will do the utmost to deal with this situation. Obviously, it is not about 70 areas, but much less. We believe that about 50 percent of these areas may be in this situation owing to poor road conditions, lack of population in the areas. As you know the roads have been destroyed, they are full of mines and some work needs to be done. We do not want to create difficulties later on just to feel that we have fulfilled our duty.
[Ihangica] On the issue of the declarations, the UNITA secretary-general recently said the statement on UNITA's demilitarization was forced on it by the government and the mediators. What do you have to say about this?
[Carneiro] First of all, I do not like to comment on statements made by UNITA officials. I will just say that it was not the government who signed the declaration.
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Police Discover Arms Cache in Bengo Province
Televisao Popular de Angola on March 12
The national police yesterday presented to the public an arms depot containing three tons of assorted weapons in Caxito, Bengo Province. A UN Observer Mission in Angola [UNOMA] official was present at the occasion which is within the framework of disarming civilians throughout the country. The presented war materiel includes 47 machine guns of various types, 66 antipersonnel mines, seven 60-mm mortars and 3,000 rounds of ammunition. This is the second arms depot discovered on the outskirts of Quibaxe town in Dembos region, which was under the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] control.
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MPLA Secretary Says UNITA Can Begin to Operate from Luanda
Radio Nacional de Angola on March 11
Conditions have been created for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] leadership to begin to operate from Luanda from 26th March, in accordance with the new timetable of tasks approved by the Joint Commission. Joao Lourenco, Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola [MPLA] information secretary, told Radio Nacional. He said all that is needed now is UNITA leadership's goodwill.
[Lourenco - recording] We would like to see the UNITA leadership operate from Luanda. With regard to installations, conditions have been created, as far as we know. All that is needed is the UNITA leadership's goodwill. The leadership should begin to operate from Luanda and facilitate the re-establishment of state administration in areas, which UNITA still occupies, including Andulo and Bailundo.
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Government Lifts Ban on UNITA Political Activities
Luanda TPA Television Network on March 11
As of today the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] may exercise its political activities throughout the country. The statement legalizing UNITA as a political party was issued today at the end of a meeting by the Council of Ministers' Standing Commission. Deputy Territorial Administration Minister Higino Carneiro read the statement:
[Begin Carneiro recording] The Unity and National Reconciliation Government [GURN] informs the Angolans and the international community that the ban on UNITA Party from exercising its political activities throughout the country has been lifted as of 11 March. The government's decision follows UNITA's public announcement that it no longer has military forces, thus fulfilling one of the most important objectives and tasks of the Lusaka Protocol, which demanded UNITA's demilitarization, its transforming into a political party, and its conduct to conform with the constitution, particularly the Law on Political Parties. Now that the obstacles which led to the banning of UNITA from exercising its political party have been removed -- and following a statement by the UN Observer Mission in Angola issued on 10 March that UNITA is demilitarized -- GURN hereby states before the Angolan and international community that UNITA may exercise its political activities across the entire territory since it had fulfilled the Lusaka Protocol.
Luanda, 11 March 1998
Unity and National Reconciliation Government, GURN
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Party Urges Government, UNITA to Fulfill Responsibilities
Luanda TPA Television Network
The Democratic Renewal Party [PRD] has called on the troika of observers, the United Nations, and the international community to play their true roles at this crucial stage of the Lusaka Protocol's implementation. In a communiqu‚ issued today, the PRD called on the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola to be transparent in its demilitarization, allow state authority restoration to be completed, and put an end to the reoccupation of government-controlled areas. The PRD also urged government to live up to its responsibilities by ensuring people enjoy peace and calm.
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Government to Crack Down on "Outlaws"
Televisao Popular de Angola on March 11
Text of recorded interview with Angolan Deputy Territorial Administration Minister Higino Carneiro in Luanda on 11th March; broadcast by Angolan TV the same day.
The lifting of the ban on UNITA [National Union for the Total Independence of Angola], stemming from its demilitarization, was preceded by a special session of the Council of Ministers Standing Commission. The only item on the agenda was the evaluation of the peace process. Several journalists were present to learn more about the government's views on the new phase of the peace process. Deputy Territorial Administration Minister Higino Carneiro outlined the government's views.
[Carneiro - recording] By lifting the ban, government certainly weighed the pros and cons. The government decision was fundamentally based on the fact that UNITA declared its complete demilitarization and the UN Observer Mission in Angola, Unoma, endorsed that declaration.
[Unidentified reporter] And what will be done about the incidents reported in just about every corner of the country, which have been referred to as activities by errant gangs, though eyewitnesses say they are carried out by UNITA forces?
[A] The government, of course, is entitled to act according to the law. One must take action against outlaws. In view of those declarations, notably the one issued by UNITA, the government now feels more encouraged to act against all those who create unrest and political and military instability. That means that we will act, without fear or favor, against all those who create difficulties and disrupt law and order.
[Q] That is a declaration of war against errant gangs?
[A] Of course. You are aware that over the past few days the police, who have specific responsibilities to deal with this type of situation, have been impressing on Angolans, whether they live in the bush or not, the need to abide by the law. It is in fact necessary to fight against the errant gangs so that order may be restored in the country as soon as possible.
[Q] The timetable states that the government was scheduled to issue a declaration today regarding UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi's special status. Will a statement still be issued today?
[A] The timetable does state that, but there are basic issues that must be fulfilled by UNITA, namely the acceptance of the draft regulations on UNITA's presidential guard and the demobilization and integration into the National Police of those who will form part of the presidential guard. The government has not yet received any information regarding those issues, but as soon as it has the details, it will certainly enact the respective law.
[Q] How should UNITA's political cells operate now that the ban has been lifted by government? Has any formula been worked out? Will it be same as it was in 1992?
[A] Well, I think UNITA should conduct itself in a civilized fashion. Political parties operate in accordance with the law. Surely, UNITA leaders should change their attitude so that society is not disrupted. If there is a repetition of what happened in the past, law and order will certainly be disrupted. Obviously, UNITA must take further action in view of the declaration issued today. We believe UNITA members should leave the bush and locations and villages where they still have their grassroots structures. They should seek meetings with government officials at provincial and other levels to ascertain how UNITA will move from its traditional areas to local government areas. I think UNITA should act accordingly. The government and other institutions, including civilian structures, should refrain from overreacting so that such a significant transition may evolve without upheavals and in a clear-cut manner for peace to come about.
[Q] What will happen if the Lusaka Protocol is not fulfilled on 26th March as scheduled?
[A] The timetable sets 1st April as the deadline for the fulfillment of tasks. Demobilization has been completed, although one is still dealing with those forces in various locations waiting to be demobilized. In addition to that, UNITA has issued a declaration on demilitarization, Unoma has followed suit, and now the government took this step today. I think we are on the right track. We must not be pessimistic. At least for the time being because tasks have begun to be fully implemented. [End of recording]
The legalization of UNITA as a political party came in the wake of a Unoma declaration issued on 10th March. The declaration, however, notes that 400 UNITA soldiers belonging to Dr Savimbi's personal bodyguard should be fully demobilized on 20th March, and that 193 UNITA generals and senior officers should also be demobilized by 19th March. Unoma says UNITA must surrender the arms depots and war materiel still in its possession.
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Official Warns "Wandering Armed Groups Will be Treated as Bandits"
Radio Nacional de Angola on March 10
All troop demobilization programs must be completed by 26th March. Joao Lourenco, Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola information secretary, commented on the matter today, saying the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] is now a demilitarized organization, and the authorities will treat all wandering armed groups as provided for by the law.
[Lourenco - recording] Seeing that UNITA has issued a demilitarization declaration signed by its vice-president, it follows that any wandering armed groups will henceforth be treated as bandits, not as UNITA soldiers. This is how the army and police will deal with them.
AN ARTICLE FROM THEIR NEWSPAPER
A Final Timetable for
Concluding the Peace Process
The New Year started with a renewed impetus to conclude the Lusaka Protocol. On January 9, the Government, UNITA and the Joint Commission adopted a new timetable calling for the implementation of all outstanding issues by February 28. One of the first items to be concluded was defining the security detachment of Mr. Savimbi. While both sides readily agreed that Mr. Savimbi should initially have 400 bodyguards, which would be progressively reduced to a maximum of 150 (as stipulated in the Lusaka Accord), negotiations stalled on the timeframe for the reduction. The Government indicated that the reduction should occur over six months while UNITA said it would need two years to reduce the size of the unit. To date this issue remains unresolved.
The extension of State Administration remains incomplete with 83 localities, mostly in Moxico, Huambo and Malange provinces, still under UNITA control. However, some key areas have been relinquished by the rebel movement. Diamond areas in the Cuango valley in Lunda-Norte province were handed over to the Government on January 13. In addition, the extension of state administration was completed in Lunda Sul province on January 15.
Complete demobilization of residual UNITA troops and a statement of demilitarization by UNITA were also still outstanding at the time of this writing. Without such a statement, many of the other tasks - including the complete legalization of UNITA as a political party - are impossible. On February 6, the Government and UNITA agreed to revise the timetable and postpone the long-awaited meeting between President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi until the conclusion of the peace process. At the time of this writing, February 28 remains the target date for the completion of the peace process.
During January and February, UNITA continued to defy United Nations sanctions regarding the re-supply of its forces. On January 24, the Angolan Air Force intercepted a South African DC-4 airplane that illegally entered Kuando-Kubango airspace in an effort to deliver diamond-mining equipment to UNITA headquarters in Andulo. The plane was forced down near Menongue and South African pilot Peter Bitzker admitted that he had flown many missions into UNITA-held areas to deliver cargo and ammunition, including a delivery of weapons six months earlier. In addition, large aircraft from neighboring countries continue to land food and military equipment in Kicua, Uige province. In early February, a Ukrainian plane was detained at Luanda airport in response to UN information that it had carried out flights to UNITA-controlled areas in violation of the sanctions. Government authorities also continue to discover and destroy arms caches in areas now under its control. Arms caches have been found in Benguela's Chongoroi district, in Dala district of Lunda Sul province and in Milunga, Uige province.
On January 27, the UN Security Council urged UNITA to fulfill its obligations immediately. While extending the UN mission to Angola for three months, the Security Council decided to reduce the size of the troop component from 2,000 to 910. In addition, the Council decided to review the situation again in 45 days to ensure that the timetable is on track.
In his report to the Council, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan blamed UNITA "in particular" for delays in the process. While urging both parties to display a greater sense of urgency, the Secretary General focussed largely on the numerous tasks required of UNITA, including the extension of administrative authority to Andulo and Bailundo, the demobilization of UNITA troops, and the transformation of the UNITA radio station into a non-partisan facility. "In addition, UNITA has to take decisive steps towards its transformation into a purely political party, declare that it has no more armed personnel or weapons under its control and move its leadership to Luanda," the Secretary General said.
Speaking on behalf of the Angolan government, Ambassador Antonio dos Santos Fran‡a said of the final timetable, "we look forward to working cooperatively with UNITA to resolve all outstanding issues. We are equally eager to welcome Dr. Savimbi to Luanda for what we are confident will be a fruitful meeting between the President and the UNITA leader." It is hoped that this time UNITA will meet its commitments and live up to the expectations of the international community.
Regards |
