ANGOLA ASSESSMENT

Country Information and Policy Unit

I. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT

1.1 This assessment has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration & Nationality Directorate, Home Office, from information obtained from a variety of sources.

1.2 The assessment has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum determination process. The information it contains is not exhaustive, nor is it intended to catalogue all human rights violations. It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum claims made in the United Kingdom.

1.3 The assessment is sourced throughout. It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material, which has been made available to them. The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain.

1.4 It is intended to revise the assessment on a 6-monthly basis while the country remains within the top 35 asylum producing countries in the United Kingdom.

1.5 The assessment will be placed on the Internet, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/cipu1.htm. An electronic copy of the assessment has been made available to the following organisations:

Amnesty International UK

Immigration Advisory Service

Immigration Appellate Authority

Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

JUSTICE

Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture

Refugee Council

Refugee Legal Centre

UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

2.1 The Republic of Angola is situated in southern Africa on the Atlantic coast. Land borders are shared with Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - formerly Zaire. The estuary of the River Congo and DRC territory separates the enclave Cabinda Province from the rest of Angola; the Congo Republic lies to its north. Angola consists of 18 provinces ranging in area from 2,500 sq km to 223,000 sq km. The capital city is Luanda. The climate is tropical, locally tempered by altitude. There are two distinct seasons, wet and dry, but little seasonal variation in temperature. The coastal lowlands are hot and rainy, but temperatures are lower inland. [1][72]

2.2 The 1970 national population census found there to be 5.6 million Angolans. In 1995 the official estimate was put at 11.5 million. At this time the UN estimated the average life expectancy of Angolans to be 46.5 years. In 1996 Angola's infant mortality rate stood at 170 per 1000 live births. In 1999 approximately 50% of Angola’s population were believed to be under 15 years of age. A former Portuguese colony, the official language is Portuguese but various Bantu languages are widely spoken, while a small percentage of the population speak separate tongues such as Khosian. (See Annex C) [1][2][16]

A. Post - Independence, Historical background

3.1 Angola gained independence from Portugal on 11 November 1975 following an armed struggle against the Portuguese and internecine conflict between the liberation movements, the Movimento Popular de Liberatacao de Angola (MPLA), its rival Uniao Nacional Para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) and the Frente Nacional de Libertacao de Angola (FNLA). With backing from international supporters the MPLA quickly gained control of the capital, Luanda, and established itself as the superior power and governing body of Angola, although UNITA with its own backers (and initially in concert with the FNLA) fought on. Since independence the two main opponents, MPLA and UNITA have continued a bitter conflict for control of the country. [1]

3.2 The first attempt at a peace process began in 1989 and resulted in the signing of the Bicesse peace accords in May 1991 and a cease-fire. [1]

MULTI-PARTY POLITICS AND THE 1992 ELECTIONS

3.3 Representatives of the Government and 26 political parties met in Luanda in the second half of January 1992 to discuss the transition to multi-party democracy. It was agreed that the elections would be organised on the basis of proportional representation, with the President being elected for a five-year term, renewable for three terms. The legislative assembly would be elected for a four-year term. [1]

3.4 Some 800 foreign observers, half of them provided by the UN monitored the voting at nearly 6,000 polling stations on 29 and 30 September 1992. They subsequently announced that the conduct of the elections had been free and fair. The results were not accepted by UNITA and sparked intense fighting in Luanda on a scale not previously seen. Thousands of people across the country are known to have lost their lives. The UN reacted by imposing sanctions on UNITA in September 1993 which in turn led to UNITA publicly accepting the results of the elections (See Annex E). [1]

LUSAKA PEACE ACCORD

3.5 Further talks led to the signing of the Lusaka Protocol of 20 November 1994 by representatives of the MPLA and UNITA that built upon the Bicesse Accords of 1991. A formal cease-fire was declared two days later. [1]

3.6 In September 1995 the Joint Commission expressed concern at continued violations of the cease-fire. However in the following month, figures issued by UNAVEM III (see paragraph 3.10) revealed that recorded cease-fire violations had decreased by approximately 50% between July and September 1995. (The Joint Commission replaced the former joint political and military commission. It was chaired by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Angola, Maitre Beye, who was killed in a plane crash in June 1998 near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The investigation into the incident declared it to be an accident, although doubts remain. Issa Diallo replaced him, in August 1998. The Joint Commission comprises representatives from the Government, UNITA, and observers from USA, Russia and Portugal. [1]

B. Economic Background

3.7 Angola is a country rich in mineral wealth and natural resources including diamonds, petroleum, and iron but as a direct consequence of the 20-year civil war, the economy has been severely mismanaged and is in disarray. Of its 1,246,700 sq km only 3% is cultivated as arable or permanent crop land. This is insufficient for Angola’s population and the country has been receiving food aid from international agencies since 1975. However, since the resurgence of hostilities in late 1998, many farmers have fled from their land to take refuge in the cities, which has meant even less produce available in the markets. This in turn has increased the burden on the aid agencies and the UN's World Food Program (WFP) currently has a $38 million emergency operation in progress. This had the capacity to feed up to 800,000 vulnerable people and internally displaced persons during 1998 with provision to increase the number of internally displaced persons provided for to 1.2 million in 1999. The largest source of income for the country and one which has been largely unaffected by the hostilities, is that of petroleum mining and production. In 1998, 750,000 barrels of oil per day were produced and this is expected to rise to over one million per day in the next decade. Oil and petroleum products account for about 50% of GDP and 80% of Government revenue. In May 1999 the World Bank has agreed a four-month moratorium on new loans to give Angola time to introduce macroeconomic reforms after the government failed to make scheduled repayments on loans. The resurgence of hostilities has led to industry and agriculture ceasing to contribute to the GDP. Annual turnover before the civil war erupted again in December 1998 was $2 billion. [1] [2] [55] [73] [76a]

3.8 High inflation is a recurrent feature. In August 1996 the annual inflation rate was recorded at 9,169%. There have been several devaluation's in recent years because of hyperinflation and at one point in September 1997 the countries exchange houses ran out of local currency – the Readjusted Kwanza which was introduced in 1995. In December 1999 a reformed currency was announced under which, one million Readjusted Kwanza equalled One New Kwanza. The reform was intended to simplify business transactions. In April 2000 the Angolan government and the IMF agreed upon a package of measures designed to achieve economic recovery and stabilisation in the country. [2] [3] [57] [61]

3.9 Serious delays in the normalisation of state administration throughout the country restricted the movement of goods and impeded a return of the population to normal life. As a result, before the resumption of hostilities in 1998, 64% of the population were still living below the poverty line, and 21% were living in extreme poverty. By September 1998 with large numbers of the population already displaced, an estimated 3 to 4 million people were reported to be crowded into Luanda. [14] [45] [55]

C. Recent political situation

UNAVEM III

3.10 In 1995 a UN Security Council resolution authorised the deployment of a 7,000 strong peacekeeping force, UNAVEM III to oversee implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, in particular the demobilisation of troops on both sides. It was originally envisaged that UNAVEM III would complete its tasks by February 1997, but there were substantial delays at each stage of the process and UNAVEM's mandate was extended several times. [1]

3.11 UNAVEM's main task was to supervise the implementation of the military elements of the Lusaka protocol: the withdrawal of Government troops (the FAA) to barracks; the assembly of UNITA troops in quartering areas and the collection of their weapons; the selection of 26,300 UNITA troops to join the FAA and the demobilisation of surplus troops from both sides; the dismantling of check points; the quartering of the Governments Rapid Intervention Police; and the quartering and integration of the UNITA police. [4]

3.12 On 1st July 1997 UNAVEM III was replaced by a UN Civilian Observer Mission (MONUA). UNAVEM III's infantry battalions were all scheduled to withdraw, but in view of the volatile situation, particularly in the northeast provinces, the withdrawal was delayed several times. At the beginning of 1998 MONUA had a military component of 1750 men, which was reduced to about 1000 including military observers. In February 1999, when the UN announced plans to withdraw from Angola, following the complete breakdown of the peace process, it comprised 86 Military Observers, 309 Civilian Police Observers, 39 Staff Officers and 550 Troops. [4][55]

3.13 Progress was also slow on the political aspects of the Lusaka protocol. UNITA's military tasks were officially declared completed on 13 December 1996 by the UN Secretary General's Special representative to Angola, Maitre Beye. UNITA was then able to make the transformation from a military group to a political party and UNITA deputies to the National Assembly could take their seats in Luanda. But delays concerning agreements such as the status of the UNITA leader, Jonas Savimbi meant that the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation (GURN) was not inaugurated until 11 April 1997. [4]

3.14 The next step in the Lusaka Protocol was for the extension of State administration to those areas that were under UNITA control and for the complete demilitarisation of UNITA. UNITA moved very slowly in handing over these areas and on 30 October 1997, despite considerable eleventh hour activity in handing over arms and ammunition, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1135/97 and imposed a second package of sanctions on UNITA. A third package of UN sanctions was imposed in July 1998 to encourage UNITA to fulfil its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol. [8][45]

3.15 Despite UNITA's public commitment to fully implement its obligations under the peace agreement, it did not co-operate over the question of the extension of state administration and retained a well equipped armed forced contrary to the demilitarisation declaration that it made on 6 March 1998. This impasse led to a deteriorating security situation that saw government forces bombing the UNITA strongholds of Andulo and Bailundo. [9][45]

3.16 Following the imposition of a second round of sanctions on UNITA, dialogue continued and the formal cease-fire held. A crucial step in taking the process forward was the proposed meeting of President dos Santos with the UNITA leader, Savimbi. Both parties publicly stated that they were willing to meet in the interests of the nation but throughout 1997 and 1998 no agreement was reached as to the location or date of the proposed meeting. Jonas Savimbi expressed concerns regarding his personal safety should the meeting be held in Luanda but the President was keen for Savimbi to return to the capital. [28]

3.17 At the beginning of 1998, around half the country was still under UNITA control and even though some 78,000 UNITA troops were declared to the UN peace keeping mission (MONUA) the desertion rate was high (around 25,000). Registration of 7,877 residual UNITA military personnel was concluded on 22 December 1997, but it is generally thought that UNITA retained a substantial, well armed experienced force of between 30,000 and 70,000 men. In 1997 some 10,000 former UNITA solders were integrated into the FAA. [2][28][45]

3.18 Progress was slow after sanctions were imposed. By 8th January 1998, 239 localities out of a total of 344 areas had been brought under state control. Numerous dates were agreed for the sensitive areas of Bailundo and Andulo where UNITA are located, but each deadline passed and they remained under UNITA control. [28][45]

3.19 Towards the end of January 1998, the UN Security Council voted unanimously for a three-month extension, until April 30, of the UN peacekeeping operation in Angola. Members of the Council hoped that this would be the last troop renewal. A recommendation by the UNSG to reduce the numbers of the UN force was also approved. Several more extensions followed, the final one expiring in February 1999, after the decision was taken, in December 1998, to withdraw MONUA completely as there was no longer a tangible peace process for them to oversee. [35][55]

3.20 In February 1999 the UN observer mission closed down its operations in Angola and confined their presence in the country to humanitarian agencies and a human rights division. On 15 October 1999 the Angolan Government approved the return of a 30 member UN mission, but limited the role they will be allowed to play to humanitarian activities and human rights work. The new UN office will not have a political role, their request for a UN broadcasting station was also denied. Details regarding the opening of the new office are yet to be finalised. [83]

3.21 In January 2000 President dos Santos announced that the Government was creating the necessary conditions to hold Presidential and Legislative elections in 2001. The majority of political parties have expressed the view that, with much of the country’s infrastructure destroyed, more time is needed to prepare for elections. The constitution is in the process of being revised after which electoral law is expected to be revised. [59]

AMNESTY

3.22 An amnesty law was passed in May 1996 in favour of those who had committed military and security crimes. The Government released 379 prisoners arrested in the context of the conflict and UNITA released 170 people, including four South Africans. [22]

GOVERNMENT OF UNITY AND RECONCILIATION

3.23 On 9 April 1997 UNITA representatives (four Ministers and seven Vice Ministers) finally took their places in the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation, (GURN). Seventy UNITA Deputies finally filled the seats in the National Assembly won in 1992. The Portuguese president and leaders of lusophone Africa attended the inauguration, but not by Jonas Savimbi (See Annex E). However, in September 1998, the government suspended the UNITA Deputies as a mark of their displeasure at the delaying tactics employed by UNITA in implementing the terms of the Lusaka Protocol. Following a split within UNITA, those MP's adhering to UNITA R were reinstated. The government has since restated its belief in the terms of the Lusaka Protocol, but maintains its refusal to deal with Savimbi. [1][2][25][39][40][64a]

REMOVALS

3.24 Removals to Angola were halted temporarily on the 20th of August 1998 in response to a request from UNHCR that was made only to the UK, Ireland and The Netherlands. To date, UNHCR have given no explanation for their selectivity. Removals were restarted in May 1999 on a limited basis with the caveats that all removals would be to Luanda and only those with close current connections to Luanda would qualify. No males between the ages of 15 and 25, nor vulnerable young women would be removed because of fears expressed by UNHCR of press-ganging of young males by both sides and the abduction of young women for service as sex-slaves. [71]

SECURITY SITUATION

4.1 The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for internal security. It exercises this function through the Angolan National Police, the paramilitary Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) created in 1992 as an elite military force, and other organs of state security. The Armed Forces of Angola (FAA) are responsible for protecting the state against external threats and have intervened in regional conflicts every year since 1996. Since the resumption of localised hostilities within the country the FAA have also become involved in counterinsurgency operations against UNITA and, on a smaller scale, those who favour independence in Cabina province. The Government’s security forces are firmly under the control of the civilian leadership. Members of the security forces have committed numerous, serious human rights abuses. [2][19][45]

4.2 Tensions between Government forces and UNITA throughout the country generally decreased in the final weeks of 1997 and beginning of 1998. However, continuing frictions between local Government authorities and UNITA militants in several provinces led to incidents of cease-fire violations. During this time there were also reports of recently laid mines in Bie and Moxico provinces and widespread acts of banditry in Benguela and Huila province (See below). [28][34]

4.3 In June 1998, UNITA opened their new HQ in Luanda. However, Dr Savimbi did not fulfil his promises to move to the capital from his stronghold in Bailundo in the central highlands and to meet the President, Eduardo dos Santos, face to face. The peace process stalled as UNITA failed to hand over the remaining areas under their administration, namely Bailundo, Andulo, Nharea and Mungo, to State control and the UN imposed further sanctions on them. The death of the UN SGSR, Maitre Beye, at the end of June left a vacuum that further destabilised negotiations. [45]

4.4 Hostilities between the government and UNITA increased, with each side blaming the other and by the latter half of 1998 estimates of UNITA's troop numbers ranged between 30,000 and 70,000, many with combat experience dating back to the post-colonial era. There were also rumours of the recruitment of foreign mercenaries by both sides. Organisations engaged in de-mining, such as the British Halo Trust, report that previously cleared areas have been re-mined and new mine fields laid. The EU has threatened to withdraw all assistance in de-mining if this continues (see paragraph 5.84). [45][64k]

4.5 The rebellion in neighbouring DRC against President Laurent Kabila, which began in 1998, served to widen the gulf between UNITA and the government. Both sides sent troops across the border. UNITA had traditionally relied on DRC as a secure supply conduit to the outside world and received support from ousted President Mobutu. They therefore supported the rebels. The Angolan government, meanwhile, has a vested interest that no-one sympathetic to UNITA achieves power there, so supported Kabila. Other neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Rwanda have also been drawn in and the conflict is threatening to destabilise the entire region. [45]

Recent developments

4.6 In February 1999 the UN withdrew MONUA, the monitoring mission, after it became clear that UNITA had abandoned any pretence of adhering to the terms of the peace agreement. Two UN-chartered planes were shot down, allegedly by UNITA, as they flew over UNITA-held territory in December and January 1998/9. UNITA initially refused to allow search and rescue parties into the area to hunt for crash sites but the FAA later retook the area containing the site of the first crash and eventually UN Under-Secretary General Sevan managed to negotiate safe-passage with both sides. There were no reported survivors although UNITA subsequently claimed that crew from one plane were alive and being held captive. [55][86]

4.7 During the current conflict military attacks have resulted in indiscriminate and summary killings, torture, abductions, destruction of property, and theft. The provinces most affected were Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malange, Bie, Uige and Huambo. Congolese diamond miners were victims in numerous attacks on alluvial mining operations in Lunda Norte province. The Government’s frequent failures to pay, feed, and equip military and a police personnel has resulted in extortion and theft. Government personnel frequently confiscated food, including donated relief supplies, livestock, and personal property, including non-governmental organisation (NGO) vehicles, often after forcibly depopulating areas and robbing the displaced persons. However, the reports of such activity decreased in the latter half of 1999 due to increased troop support and improved field liaisons between humanitarian agencies and the military. [2]

4.8 UNITA troops committed numerous extrajudicial killings during attacks on villages in 1999. Interviews with refugees indicated that UNITA committed abuses, including public extrajudicial killings, as a deliberate policy. In February 1999 UNITA forces reportedly entered a village near Luena and killed the village’s soba (traditional leader) and his family. In April 1999 UNITA soldiers reportedly killed 25 villagers who were attempting to return to their homes in Muconda in the Luanda Sul province. In July 1999 UNITA attacked the town of Catete, killing 9 persons and abducting 22 persons. There were unconfirmed reports that following military actions taken in the fall in Camacupa, Bie Province, mass graves were found containing the bodies of dozens of UNITA victims. [2]

4.9 UNITA killed numerous people during attacks on civilian traffic on roads throughout the country; such attacks were designed to halt transportation, disrupt commerce, isolate populations, and maintain a climate of insecurity. For example, in April 1999 on a stretch of road between Gabela and Sumbe, UNITA soldiers reportedly attacked a clearly marked aid vehicle, killing five humanitarian workers. In June 1999 UNITA soldiers reportedly attacked another aid vehicle, killing two persons. The shelling of cities by UNITA forces often killed civilians, particularly in Malange, Huambo, and Kuito. According to the Bishop of Malange, more than 1,000 persons were killed and 700 injured, as a result of shelling there; however, this figure is unconfirmed. [2]

4.10 In mid-September 1999 government forces launched a major offensive against UNITA and for one month military activities were conducted under a total news blackout. On 20 October 1999 the government formally announced that it had pushed UNITA out of its Central Highlands stronghold and taken control of the rebel movements two most important bases of Bailundo and Andulo, and several smaller towns. There was considerable destruction reported, particularly in Bailundo. Malange was said to be the worst affected and according to a September 1999 survey, the malnutrition rate there was around 22%. It was also reported that government forces had taken ground in the central Provinces of Bie, Huambo and Moxico. [23][38][72]

4.11 In November 1999 the head of the Angolan army, Joao de Matos, claimed that the end of the war was in sight. He claimed that 80% of UNITA’s conventional war capacity had been destroyed. Independent observers gave mixed reactions to the claims of Matos, one of who commented that the continued sporadic shelling of the central highland city of Kuito by UNITA forces demonstrated that the rebels remained strong. During November 1999 UNITA conceded the damaging effect of the surrender of one of their senior commanders, General Jacinto Bandua (see paragraph 5.22). In January 2000 the UN Security Council showed a video taped interview in which Bandua alleged that UNITA leader, Jonas Savimbi, had personally ordered the shooting down of two UN-chartered aircraft (see paragraph 4.6). [63][84][86]

4.12 The Angolan Government’s efforts to drive UNITA from their traditional stronghold, has forced the rebels further south and west and up to the borders of neighbouring Namibia and Zambia. In December 1999 the Namibian government permitted the FAA to attack UNITA from Namibian soil. UNITA have since launched a number of attacks into Namibia, killing and abducting civilians. Many villagers on the Angolan side were reported to have fled into Namibia as UNITA forces advanced. An Amnesty International Report issued in March 2000 accused both the Angolan and Namibian governments and UNITA of human rights abuses. Zambia have so far kept out of the conflict though they have also received Angolan refugees and there have been isolated reports of Zambian border villages being attacked by UNITA forces. [21][30][46][72]

4.13 In mid-January 2000 more than 100 people were reported to have been killed by UNITA rebel troops in Bie province. Whilst UNITA claimed to be extremely active in Bie the Angolan authorities maintained that the war was coming to an end. In late January 2000 there were also reports of fighting between FAA and UNITA in Cuanza Norte Province. On 25 March 2000 President dos Santos announced the temporary suspension of FAA operations against UNITA following, what he called, the destruction of the rebel movements conventional capabilities. He said that government forces would be adapting their fighting methods so as to correspond with guerrilla warfare. In January 2000 UNITA had issued statements to the effect that it intended to intensify its campaign as a guerrilla group. In early April 2000 it was reported by the UN that the FAA were planning a fresh offensive to capture UNITA held areas close to the Zambian border. [31][33][46][56][72][85]

LUANDA

4.14 The capital of Angola has remained free from fighting, but there are corrupt elements of the police and armed forces who perpetrate violent crime. Originally designed by the Portuguese to accommodate 300,000 people, current estimates of its population range between 3 and 4 million, with more people arriving daily to seek refuge from the fighting in the Central Highlands area. [6][45][55]

THE JUDICIARY

4.15 The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary; however, the judiciary, where it functions, is not independent of the President and the MPLA. In practice the court system lacks the means, experience, training and political backing to assert its independence from the President and the ruling party. The President has strong appointive powers, including the power to appoint Supreme Court justices without confirmation by the National Assembly. The judicial system was largely destroyed during the civil war and does not function in large areas of the country. [2]

4.16 The court system consists of the Supreme Court at the appellate level plus municipal and provincial courts of original jurisdiction under the nominal authority of the Supreme Court. Only 9 of the 12 seats on the Supreme Court were filled by the end of 1999. The Supreme Court serves as the appellate division for questions of law and fact but does not have the authority to interpret the Constitution. The Constitution reserves that role for a Constitutional Court, as mandated by the 1991 Constitution; however, this had not been set up by the end of 1999. Trials for political and security crimes are supposed to be handled exclusively by the Supreme Court. Five UNITA members of parliament, arrested in January 1999 on suspicion of treason and subversion, were held incommunicado. One was released in May 1999 and the other four were released in October 1999 by the Supreme Court due to a lack of evidence. [2]

4.17 The Constitution provides defendants with the presumption of innocence, the right to a defence, and the right to appeal. Legal reform in 1991 established the right to public trials and a system of bail, and recognised the accused's right to counsel; however, the Government does not respect these rights in practice. Judges usually are lay persons, not licensed lawyers. The judge and two lay persons elected by the full court act as the jury. [2]

4.18 Under the law a person caught in the act of committing a crime may be arrested and detained immediately. Otherwise, the law requires that a judge or a provincial magistrate must issue an arrest warrant. Prosecutors attached to police commands may also sign arrest warrants, provided these are confirmed within 5 days by a magistrate. The Constitution provides for a prompt judicial determination of the legality of the detention. Under the law the prosecution and defence have 90 days before a trial to prepare their case, although both sides generally have the right to request an extension to this deadline under extenuating circumstances. Under criminal law no person may be held for longer than 135 days without trial. The National Security Law provides for 180 days preventive detention. However, in practice, over 90% of the prison population in Luanda are awaiting trial, and it is believed that the national average exceeds 50%. Inmates who have been awaiting trial for 2-3 years are common. In many cases, police beat and then release detainees rather than make any effort to prepare a formal court case. [2]

4.19 The Constitution also provides prisoners with the right to receive visits by family members. However, none of these rights exist in practice; there is a scarcity of resources, and a lack of determination to ensure these rights. There were no reports of government-held political prisoners during 1999. According to the US State Department report for 1999 there were probable cases of UNITA-held political prisoners. [2]

UNITA COURT SYSTEMS

4.20 UNITA has established a military and civilian court system in territories under its control and claims that its civil code is equivalent to the Portuguese Civil Code currently used by the Government. UNITA President Jonas Savimbi appoints a judge personally, and UNITA trials are not open to the public. Juries consist of male elders from the community. The accused reportedly has the right to a lawyer. [2]

DEATH PENALTY

4.21 The death penalty was abolished in Angola in 1992; however there are many allegations of extrajudicial killings by the police and army. UNITA abolished the death penalty in 1996, although there is no independent assessment of their legal system. [40]

MILITARY SERVICE

4.22 Laws on conscription have been extant since 26 March 1993. Angola has conscription for all males between 20 and 45 years of age. It is for a period of two years, which includes training time. Females can also be conscripted if it is considered necessary by the Council of Ministers. An exemption can be obtained on health grounds. However, following the most recent escalation in hostilities between UNITA and the government in December 1998, UNHCR have voiced fears that both sides may be employing forced conscription, perhaps even including minors, and that young women may be abducted from areas outside Luanda to serve as sex slaves for soldiers. It was reported in July 1999 that "military training" for women was to be made compulsory in Uige province. This stops short of military service but indicates the government anticipate a shortage of trained male soldiers. [36][37] 77d]

4.23 In November 1998 the Angolan government conducted a census of male citizens born between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1981 in order to keep their records up to date. To enforce mandatory military laws, there were reports that the military and police conducted forced conscription drives in many of the areas under the control of the Government, including Luanda, during which some minors may have been recruited. Persons who could prove that they had jobs were usually released, and those with financial means could buy their way out of the military. However, the Government denied that forced recruiting has been taking place. Church groups, civil society institutions, and foreign embassies protested the manner of conscription. [2][58][78c]

4.24 Service can be postponed if the person is still in full time education. The same applies to teachers, both with formal and without formal qualifications, who are in full time teaching posts. Additionally, the Council of Ministers approve annually a list of technicians and specialists who are exempt from conscription. In practise, compulsory service is only applied during times of crisis or shortage, such as during the present crisis. In June 1999 government announced the standardisation of the certificates of deferment for military service: a yellow certificate for deferment on educational grounds, a white one for health reasons. Both certificates will be valid for between 6 to 12 months and should bear the signature of the Chief of the Personnel Division of the FAA General Staff. Fraudulent use or endorsement of these certificates constitutes a crime under military criminal law. [37] [80a]

4.25 An alternative is available to military service, called community service. Individuals are allowed to conscientiously object to military service and are able to perform community service instead. [36]

4.26 Desertion is punishable by a prison sentence of between two and eight years. If carried out during a time of war or on military operations, the penalty increases to between eight and twelve years. Those who fail to report for compulsory service and are subsequently apprehended, their terms of service are increased to four years. The penalties have been extant since 24 November 1993. [36][37]

4.27 During 1999 UNITA carried out forced recruiting, including the recruitment of minors (see paragraph 5.16), throughout all of the countries disputed territory. Recruits were taken to isolated military camps and subjected to psychological stress and extreme hardships; those who attempted to desert were executed. Women, many as young as 13 years of age, were recruited forcibly to serve as porters and camp followers, and reports of sexual assault were widespread and credible. In August 1999 UNITA were reported to have kidnapped eight tribal chiefs from villages south of Uige because they had failed to get enough recruits. [2][81d]

SOCIAL WELFARE

4.28 Medical care is provided free of charge but its availability is limited by a shortage of trained personnel and medicines. War veterans receive support from the Ministry of Defence. AIDS has killed 30,000 in the last 20 years and estimates of those currently HIV positive range between 160,000 and 350,000 (or between 3% and 6% of the population). Most are in the 20 - 39 age groups and most contracted it through heterosexual intercourse, although now there is an emerging pattern of babies born with the infection. [1][68b][78b]

4.29 In May 1999 an epidemic of Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) was reported in Malanje Province. The poor communications within the country mean that there are no reliable figures available. [77a]

4.30 Angola is now the only country in the world where polio is not under control. The overcrowding which resulted from thousands of refugees from the countryside flooding into the cities saw a number of cases recorded. During the first seven months of 1999, 90 children were reported to have died from polio in Luanda and up to 50 in Benguela. There were also unconfirmed reports of cases in rebel held territory. In July 1999 UNICEF began an inoculation program which was intended to cover all the country's 2.7 million children. However, many of the people most vulnerable to the disease are hiding out in rural areas, it has not been possible for aid workers to track them down. In January 2000 UNICEF stated that only 36% of Angolan children had been vaccinated against polio. [17] [74c]

EDUCATION

4.31 Education is officially compulsory for eight years, between seven and fifteen years of age, and is provided free of charge by the Government. Primary education begins at six years of age and lasts for four years. Secondary education beginning at age ten lasts for up to seven years. In reality, the Ministry of Education barely functions due to a lack of resources. Teachers are chronically underpaid and the net enrolment rate of school-age children is 40%, with an 18% gap favouring boys over girls. Most educational infrastructure is damaged either partially or totally and lacks basic equipment and teaching materials. There is one University in Luanda. Only 42% of the population are literate, and the illiteracy rate for women is almost twice that of men. [1] [2]

PRISON CONDITIONS

4.32 Prison conditions constitute a serious threat to the health and lives of prisoners. Cells are overcrowded and lack basic sanitary facilities. The prison system holds up to five times the number of inmates for which it was designed. There are reports that prisoners have died of malnutrition, and disease, because the government failed to supply the financial support to buy food or healthcare. Prisoners depend on friends, family or international relief organisations for basic provisions. Prison officers, who are chronically unpaid, support themselves by stealing from inmates and extorting money from their families. They frequently beat and abuse inmates. The Government permitted local and international human rights monitors to visit prisons, but not individual prisoners, during 1999. [2]

4.33 According to widespread reports, UNITA prison conditions are extremely harsh. Prior to its capture (see paragraph 4.10) UNITA reportedly maintained a prison at their Andulo headquarters where large numbers of persons accused of treason were held. During 1999 there was at least one report that UNITA prison officials beat detainees. [2]

TORTURE

4.34 The Constitution and Penal Code expressly forbid mistreatment of suspects, detainees or prisoners. However, the UN and other human rights organisations report that there is widespread and generalised abuse of suspects. Security service personnel regularly employ torture and other forms of cruel and degrading treatment, including rape. Confessions are regularly obtained this way and the perpetrators are rarely if ever punished. There are no cases on record where an army or police officer has been disciplined for use of excessive force on a UNITA suspect. [2]

4.35 The UN and human rights organisations report the abuse of suspects to have been universal in areas under UNITA control during 1999. Interviews with persons who fled UNITA-held areas revealed that UNITA uses cruel and inhuman practices, including public torture and mutilation, to punish dissent and deter further acts of disloyalty. There have been repeated credible allegations that UNITA President Jonas Savimbi has ordered suspects to be tortured and executed in his presence. [2]

DISAPPEARANCE

4.36 The Government and UNITA continued to accuse each other of abductions and of causing the disappearances of civilians, including government officials, party activists, and traditional leaders. The number of allegations and the prevailing conditions of insecurity made it impossible for the UN and other organisations to investigate all of these allegations. [2]

4.37 Persons taken into police custody are often reported to disappear without a trace, particularly in rural areas. Amnesty International documented incidents of disappearances during 1998 in areas formerly held by UNITA. The US State Department Report for 1999 stated that during the year suspects accused of illegal weapons ownership or collaboration with UNITA disappeared, as did UNITA party officials in some areas where the Government regained control. [2][19]

4.38 Civilians abducted by UNITA generally were either forced to become soldiers or support personnel, or were considered government collaborators. There were unconfirmed reports in April 1999 that UNITA abducted persons in Nequile, Chitmebo, and Gimba Filili villages in Bie Province. In July 1999 UNITA abducted 22 persons during an attack on the town of Catete. In December 1999, UNITA abducted 20 persons from Namibia, who subsequently were rescued by Namibian forces (see paragraph 5.23). The frequent discovery of dead bodies in the aftermath of attacks suggested that suspected collaborators were executed summarily. Those who escaped UNITA custody and were able to return to government-held areas reported that they were subjected to torture, beatings and sexual abuse. [2]

THE CONSTITUTION

4.39 Angola is governed by a Constitution promulgated in November 1975. It was amended several times, most recently in August 1992, when the word "People's" was removed from the official name of the country. The Constitution stipulates that the State shall respect and protect the human person and human dignity with all citizens equal before the law. The Constitution also guarantees freedom of expression, of assembly, of demonstration, of association, of all other forms of expression. At the same time, groupings whose aims and activities are contrary to the Constitutional order and penal laws, or that, even indirectly, pursue political objectives through organisations of a military, paramilitary or militarised nature shall be forbidden. The Constitution is currently in the process of being revised. [1][59]

4.40 Under the Constitution adopted at independence, the sole legal party was the MPLA. However, in December 1990, the MPLA announced that the Constitution would be revised to permit opposition parties. [15]

4.41 The supreme organ of state is the National Assembly; this is composed of 223 deputies. There is an executive President elected for up to three renewable terms of five years, who appoints the Council of Ministers. Jonas Savimbi (UNITA) had special status as Leader of the Main Opposition Party, however, after the breakdown of the peace process, the government deputies presented a proposal to revoke the law specifying his special status. The National Assembly revoked this on 27 October 1998. [1][47]

5.1 During years of conflict many Angolans have struggled simply to survive. Despite being, in theory, a presidential parliamentary democracy, in fact there is no real tradition of democracy, pluralism or respect for human rights. The combination of war and economic mismanagement has led to much of Angola's infrastructure being destroyed, leaving no effective administration or judicial system in many regions. [6]

Human Rights Monitoring

5.2 Human rights monitoring was incorporated into the United Nation's Angolan Verification Mission (UNAVEM III) mandate after campaigning by human rights organisations including Amnesty International. A Human Rights Unit was set up within UNAVEM III and formed part of its successor: MONUA. [12]

5.3 MONUA investigated all alleged cases of cease-fire violations and human rights abuses that were reported to it by the Government, UNITA and private individuals. It divided allegations into confirmed, unconfirmed and pending and assigned responsibility of confirmed reports to the Government, UNITA or bandits. Its mandate was extended several times, most recently until the end of February 1999, after which it began its withdrawal. Under MONUA, the Human Rights Unit with less than 20 staff was upgraded to a Division, with 55 staff. From September 1996 to December 1997, (the most recent figures available), it submitted 50 cases of human rights abuses to the ad hoc group on human rights. The Joint Commission that implemented the peace agreement had established this group in 1996. However, the Division did not publish its assessment of the human rights situation or whether either side complied with its recommendations. [2][43][44][55]

5.4 United Nations human rights observers were present in seven of Angola's eighteen provinces until they were withdrawn to Luanda in December 1998 in preparation for repatriation. Committees were established in Namibe, Benguela, Huambo, Kwanza Sul, Uige and Cunene. Committees consist of representatives from the government and civic organisations. In Uige, both government and UNITA representatives participated, but with the resumption of hostilities the committees ceased to function. As a result the ability of local and international observers to conduct human rights investigations has been limited. [2][12][55]

5.5 In 1994 the UNAVEM Human Rights Monitoring Group (HRMG) held a number of national and regional human rights seminars with senior government and UNITA participation. UNAVEM's HRMG and military and civilian police observers were the only effective human rights monitors, but they did not make their conclusions of their investigations public. Additionally, the Government frequently interfered in UNAVEM's attempts to investigate complaints of human rights violations. [12]

5.6 Since May 1995 225 civilian police (CIVPOL) have assisted civilian human rights monitors. They were also mandated to receive complaints of human rights violations and to investigate them. Until withdrawal by the UN, there were 388 CIVPOL, up from 345. The CIVPOL's mandate also covered monitoring the activities of the Angolan police, visiting detention centres and liasing with local authorities. The total UN presence comprised some 1100 people, down from its original figure of 7000. [28][44]

5.7 In 1999 there were over 120 registered NGO’s operating in the country, of which approximately 45 were domestic NGO’s. Several international organisations have a permanent presence in the country including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the human rights division of MONUA. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International both visited the country during 1999. [2]

5.8 The Government does not formally prohibit independent investigations of its human rights record, but it fails to co-operate and often uses security conditions as pretext to deny access to affected areas. The Constitution provides for the creation of an office of the Provider of Justice, or ombudsman, designated by the National Assembly for a 4-year term, to defend citizens’ rights and liberties; however, this office had not yet been filled at the end of 1999. UNITA has refused all attempts to conduct investigations of human rights abuses in areas under its control [2]

5.9 Another Human Rights Group is the Angola Forum, founded early in 1999 and based in Lisbon, monitors violations by both sides. In a report delivered to the Portuguese parliament in May 1999, both the Angolan government and UNITA were accused of serious abuses and corruption. The report included accusations of sales of fuel by the FAA to UNITA, diversion by dos Santos of international funds and resources to both his own and to the MPLA's accounts, and gratuitous violence by both sides against the civilian population. [77b]

5.10 In November 1999 and March 2000 Amnesty International issued dedicated reports, the former concerning freedom of speech and the latter human rights abuses in the Namibian border region. Both reports documented a series of alleged human rights abuses committed by the authorities and, in the case of the latter, UNITA and the Namibia Army (see paragraph 4.12). In response to the March 2000 report the Angolan government denied its forces involvement in human rights violations. Addressing the UN Commission the Assistant Attorney General, Cunha Caetano reportedly said "Angola is at war, and inevitably in a war human rights are disregarded". [20][21][32]

B. SPECIFIC GROUPS

REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

5.11 The law provides for the granting of refugee and asylum status in accordance with the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. The Government co-operates with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The Government provides first asylum to refugees. An eligibility committee to evaluate asylum claims meets regularly to evaluate asylum requests. There are approximately 11,000 refugees in the country, mostly from the DRC. The majority of Rwandan refugees in Luau, Moxico province, and areas that reverted to government control in September 1997, had left the country for camps in Zambia by the end of 1998. There were no reports of the forced expulsion of persons with valid claims to refugee status during 1999. [2]

5.12 In July 1999 the Angolan government introduced a self-help scheme for and internally displaced persons by providing them with funds for the purchase of seeds, farming tools and other means of agricultural production. The aid agencies only provide half of the food necessary to feed the growing refugee population. Some of this aid has misappropriated by the authorities and there are reports that the riot police confiscated WFP supplies to pass on to their own military. Angola’s own agricultural industry, which, even before the resurgence of hostilities, could not provide for the population as only 3% of available arable land was ever farmed, has virtually disappeared. [1][64g][81c]

5.13 In February 2000 Government sources said that the humanitarian situation in the country remained critical despite slight improvements in a number of areas. Official figures put the total number of internally displaced persons at 3,695,344 on 31 January 2000, an increase of 581,860 since 31 August 1999. This increase was attributed to renewed military activity, insecurity in home areas of displaced persons, and deficient food supplies. Several UN agencies and foreign NGO's have provided substantial aid. [82a]

5.14 Government and humanitarian organisations report that there are several hundred thousand new internally displaced persons. Estimates of the total internally displaced population vary between 1.5 and 3.7 million, many of whom have had to flee for the second or third time from temporary shelters in recent months. In December 1999 a further 75,000 citizens were reported to have fled to neighbouring countries as a result of the conflict. This brought the total number of Angolans in neighbouring countries to 500,000. The immediate effects of the fighting have been increasing levels of malnutrition - especially among children, and very poor sanitation and health conditions. As a result the risk of epidemics has grown dramatically in the areas affected by the fighting. [2]

5.15 During January 2000 as UNITA rebels were forced back to border regions thousands of refugees reportedly poured across the border into Namibia and Zambia. Some 12,000 people were reported to have crossed into Zambia during January 2000. In March 2000 it was reported that the number of Internally displaced persons in Luanda was declining as people returned to their home areas. The same month Amnesty International reported that some of the refugees who crossed into Namibia were forcibly returned to Angola. [21][60][82b]

UNITA

5.16 The second half of 1998 saw a fatal fracture in the peace process. The Lusaka Protocol required UNITA to hand over to state administration the remaining areas under their control but their repeated delays caused the UN to vote for further sanctions against them. Then on 31 August 1998, the government to suspended UNITA members from parliament. On 2 September 1998 a group of 5 UNITA moderates who wished to negotiate with the government to conclude the Lusaka Protocol, issued a manifesto declaring the suspension of Savimbi and the introduction of an interim leadership pending a general congress of the party. The group were all based in Luanda, and led by former Tourism Minister, Jorge Valentim. [1][44][45]

5.17 The breakaway faction called itself UNITA-Renovada (UNITA-R) meaning the UNITA Renewal Committee. They commanded very little support amongst UNITA’s leadership in Luanda, UNITA’s Secretary General dismissed the group as irrelevant. Conversely, the Government welcomed the development, quickly recognising the faction and re-appointing its supporters to the executive (see paragraph 5.27). UNITA-R was also recognised by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). President dos Santos announced that he would only deal with UNITA-R in negotiations concerning the implementation of the Lusaka Peace Accord. SADC have labelled Savimbi a "war criminal" for his actions in de-railing the peace process and, at the 19^th SADC summit in August 1999, voted for him to be excluded from all future negotiations. The Angolan government has issued a warrant for Savimbi's arrest, blaming him for the return to war. After the Portuguese service of the BBC broadcast an interview with him in early August 1999, Angolan police arrested the local BBC man. [51][64c][70b]

5.18 During the first 9 months of 1999 UNITA retained their traditional stronghold of the Central Highlands and launched attacks on government-held areas from there. Local residents had little choice but to support UNITA or face hostile action themselves. Thousands were killed either in the fighting between UNITA and the FAA or in reprisals by UNITA against the civilian population. The only alternative for these people was flight to one of the cities or government-controlled areas. In August 1999, 300 rural residents from Huambo province escaped from 9 months' captivity by UNITA and walked 21km to the safety of Caalaa, a government-controlled centre. Many mass graves have been found in areas previously occupied by UNITA. In August 1999 UNITA agreed to the UN opening humanitarian corridors into the Central Highlands to facilitate the delivery of food to the most needy. [64b][64e][74a][76c][79b][81b]

5.19 UNITA forces have attacked members of NGOs and aid workers trying to help the civilian population in areas under their control. Six charity workers were killed in April 1999 when UNITA attacked the land rover in which they were travelling in northern Angola. UNITA have also shot at several planes carrying humanitarian aid to hard-pressed areas. There was also an incident where a commercial aircraft, an Antonov-26 with a Russian crew and Angolan passengers, was downed by UNITA in May 1999 and its 3 Russian crewmembers were taken hostage. [64f][64i][69]

5.20 During 1999 UNITA also became embroiled in the conflict between the government and the separatist Liberation Army of Caprivi in Namibia, with whom Angola shares a border. Small numbers of UNITA soldiers were often caught in skirmishes with Namibian troops along, or just across the Namibian border. [64d]

5.21 In mid-September 1999 the FAA launched a major offensive against UNITA. During the month that followed the rebel movement were driven out of their central highland strongholds towards border areas (see paragraph 4.10). There were reports that in a letter dated 27 September 1999 to President dos Santos, UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi called for an immediate truce as "the first condition to resolving the present crisis in Angola". Two separate UNITA representatives denied such a letter had been sent. However, prior to this incident, the Angolan government had repeatedly stated that it was not prepared to negotiate with Savimbi again in view of his failure to abide by internationally brokered agreements. [23]

5.22 In November 1999 one of Savimbi’s closest aides, senior commander General Jacinto Bandua, surrendered to FAA forces. He subsequently told journalists, that he had tired of Savimbi’s dictatorial ways, and claimed that UNITA’s troop morale was low after successive defeats. Bandua subsequently alleged that Savimbi had personally ordered two UN planes to be shot down in December 1998 and January 1999 (see paragraph 4.11). Another UNITA defector stated that there were standing orders to shoot down any aircraft flying over UNITA territory. He added that rebels were also ordered to destroy every trace of human remains. Both former guerrillas were integrated into the FAA and, according to the chair of the UN sanctions committee, did not appear to be volunteering their allegation against Savimbi under duress. [63][86]

5.23 During late 1999 and the early part of 2000 most UNITA activity has occurred in the areas bordering Namibia and Zambia. There have also been reports of UNITA activity in Bie provinces. In these areas a number of killings have been attributed to the rebel groups. Support from the Namibia Government for the Angolan authorities has also resulted in an increase of cross border attacks by UNITA that resulted in a number of killings and abductions (see paragraph 4.12). In January 2000 UNITA issued a series of statements warning that it was about to intensify its campaign as a guerrilla group. In April 2000 it was reported that the FAA were planning to launch a fresh offensive to capture the UNITA base of Cazombo, close to the border with Zambia. [21][30][31][56][85]

Sanctions Against UNITA

5.24 In addition to the existing sanctions in place before the resurgence of hostilities at the end of 1998, the UN has since banned all commerce in diamonds with UNITA and the sale of arms and petroleum, these embargoes have apparently been flouted with impunity. The UN is now seeking to deploy civilian "sanctions monitors" throughout Africa to try and eradicate sanctions busting. A scheme was introduced this year to certificate all legitimately-produced diamonds being traded by the Angolan government, so dealers world wide would be able to differentiate between those produced by the government and those by UNITA. In June 1999, South Africa in supporting the UN went further and proposed a certification scheme for all diamonds produced in southern Africa. There have also been suggestions that the UN might trace all the illegally exported diamonds and confiscate them. The UN is investigating claims that some European companies, including some based in the UK, are still trading with UNITA. [64h][66][68a][74b]

5.25 The government of Côte d'Ivoire announced in May 1999 that it was withdrawing the passports it had issued to Jonas Savimbi and some of his followers, which had allowed them to travel freely outside Angola. France also said it intended to expel Isaias Samakuwa, UNITA's representative there, and ban him from re-entry in accordance with the UN's 1997 sanctions that demanded the closure of all UNITA offices and the expulsion of senior personnel. [64j]

5.26 In March 2000 countries which have been involved in sanction busting operations were named in a UN report. The report suggested that UNITA, which is believed to have made US$4bn from illegal diamond sales since 1992, had used diamonds to court favours from certain African governments, notably Burkina Faso and Togo. The report also stated that UNITA received arms from Eastern Europe on almost a daily basis. In February 2000 the world’s biggest diamond dealer De Beers of South Africa promised to guarantee that it would not trade in stones from African rebel movements. It is yet to be seen whether this tighter application of current sanctions, coupled with the recent success of FAA troops, can actually help end Africa’s longest running civil war. [13]

UNITA-R

5.27 UNITA-R MPs were reinstated to parliament after a short hiatus in 1998. They remain polarised from UNITA and Savimbi and are recognised as the official representatives of UNITA by the vast majority of African and European governments. However, there is reported to be growing dissension within the rank and file who complain that promised subsidies to individuals joining from the countryside of $200 - $300 have not materialised and that tribalism is creeping in to the structure of the organisation. Leader, Jorge Valentim, and most of his officials are Ovimbundos, whereas the ordinary members are drawn from many other ethnic and tribal groups. In an interview on 20 November 1999 UNITA-R president, Eugenio Manuvakola, verbally attacked Jonas Savimbi and called upon his followers to desert. UNITA-R also expressed concern about the fate of leading UNITA members who had been detained in the movements’ prisons. [78a] [80b]

F.L.E.C./ Cabindans

5.28 FLEC (Frente para a Libertacao do Enclave de Cabinda) was formed in 1963 as a nationalist movement seeking separate independence for Cabinda, a 2,807 sq mile (7,300 sq km) oil-rich enclave on the Atlantic coast sandwiched between the DRC and the Congo Republic. Cabinda produces about 60% of Angola's total oil output of around 700,000 barrels per day, which in turn represents approximately 90% of the country's total export earnings. [11] [42]

5.29 Throughout its existence FLEC has been marginalised and its political concerns largely ignored. Banned in 1974 by the Portuguese, FLEC then organised a military wing. Following Angolan independence FLEC, unlike the other main nationalist groups (MPLA, UNITA and FNLA), did not achieve recognition by the Organisation for African Unity, (OAU). FLEC was excluded from the negotiations for the May 1991 Bicesse Accords and did not enter the political process with the introduction of multi - partyism, arguing that the September 1992 elections were for Angolans not Cabindans. The Angolan law on political parties' dictates that, in order to register, a party must possess support in at least 10 of the 18 provinces, this effectively disqualifies FLEC.

Since its formation FLEC has split into a number of factions (see Annex A). [1][11]

5.30 In late September 1995 the Government signed a four-month cease-fire agreement with FLEC-R. It was anticipated that the agreement, which followed an offensive by FLEC-R on Cabinda City in the previous month, would facilitate negotiations of a pact aimed at national reconciliation. Other reports stated that the Government was seeking to offset the perceived possibility of an FLEC-UNITA joint front (see paragraph 5.33). [1][11]

5.31 In January 1996 discussions between the Government and FLEC-R resulted in an agreement to extend the cease-fire accord. Further discussions were to continue in pursuit of a definitive agreement. In mid-May 1996 the Government and FLEC-R signed an agreement outlining the principles of a cease-fire. However, following renewed fighting later that month between Government troops and the secessionists, the leader of FLEC-FAC declared that a definitive cease-fire would only follow the withdrawal of the FAA from Cabinda. [1]

5.32 In response to the Government's lack of interest in pursuing serious negotiations, FLEC-R carried out numerous sporadic attacks against Government targets. These included a mortar bomb which fell near the Sonangol terminal (State oil installation) in February 1997 and an assault on a police station in June 1997. These actions provoked a firm response from the Government with the FAA targeting villages where FLEC-R personnel were known to be located. [25]

5.33 During the summer of 1997, the Angolan government at first denied, then admitted it was providing military assistance to Denis Sassou Nguesso in the Congo Republic. This followed reports that, after the fall of President Mobutu, both UNITA and the various FLEC factions had moved substantial amounts of materiel into the Congo with a view to joining forces, with the support of Lissouba, against the FAA in Cabinda. [42]

5.34 Throughout 1997 and into 1998 the number of attacks by the FAA on villages suspected of supporting FLEC factions multiplied. Angolan troops in Congo, there to support the pro-Angolan President Nguesso, who ousted the pro-UNITA President Pascal Lissouba in October 1996, are also reported to have raided refugee camps occupied by Cabindans. Separatist fighters are reported to have killed unarmed civilians and taken others hostage. These raids were often followed by government reprisals, in which unarmed civilians were reportedly beaten and killed and soldiers looted and burned houses. Thus far, there have been no reports of official enquiries into these allegations of extrajudicial execution or torture. During the same period attacks by both FLEC-FAC and FLEC-R have increased. They tend to target foreign companies operating in Cabinda; however, as this strikes at the economy the FAA have retaliated. In 1997 they re-took Miconje and Luali, in the northern part of the enclave, after heavy fighting, which had previously been under FLEC-FAC control, and accused FLEC-FAC of murdering three traditional chiefs who had sought government protection. They also accused FLEC-FAC of harbouring ex-FAZ (Forces Armees de Zaire) and former Hutu-dominated Rwandans troops who had fled to DRC from Rwanda. [42]

5.35 An Amnesty International report published in April 1998 listed several examples of soldiers and other officials threatening, or actually carrying out, beatings, torture and killings of unarmed civilians. There have been several reports of soldiers, sometimes drunk, firing indiscriminately in public places, on occasion with the intention of terrifying street vendors in order to steal their goods. Two examples from this report are: -

i) On 21.12.1997 a FAA officer stopped an open lorry at Tchiobo village, about 52 kilometres from Cabinda City, on the road to Tando Zinze. The lorry was serving as a bus and carrying dozens of people home from the market in Cabinda City. The officer sought a lift, which the driver refused and, as the lorry pulled away, the officer opened fire at the passengers, killing seven and wounding 11. Amnesty reported that no subsequent arrests were made.

ii) On 06.01.1998 government soldiers attacked a village called Aledeia da Fortaleza in the south of the enclave, apparently in reprisal for the explosion of an anit-tank mine which killed two high-ranking army officers. They beat civilians, a number of whom required hospital treatment, then looted and burned houses. Amnesty reported no knowledge of any investigation or prosecution.

Amnesty International also referred to human rights abuses by FLEC factions during 1998. [19][42]

5.36 FLEC became increasingly active again during the first months of 1999. On March 4 1999 foreign workers, - 2 French and 2 Portuguese, were kidnapped in Cabinda. The men were all released unharmed in July after a ransom of $500,000 was reportedly paid, although neither government would confirm it had negotiated with the terrorists. Sources close to FLEC say the money will be used to buy more arms and materiel. There are also reports that they have been press-ganging young males into joining their military force, and that they had once again started to attack civilians who did not share their separatist ideals. In June 1999 four civilians were shot fatally in a car close to the Congo border, allegedly by FLEC adherents. [79a] [81a] [76b] [77c]

FUTURE OF CABINDAN SEPARATISTS

5.37 The rapid turn of events both in the DRC and Congo Republic are bound to have serious implications for the Cabindan factions, which had previously used both countries as safe havens and supply routes. In December 1999 FLEC launched an international legal offensive against the "annexation of Cabinda by Angola" with a view to obtaining the territory’s independence judicially. [25][65]

ETHNIC GROUPS

5.38 There are seven major ethnic – linguistic groups and within each group are many tribes. [See Annex c) [5]

5.39 Angola’s population includes 1 to 2 per cent of Khoisan and other linguistically distinct hunter-gatherer tribes scattered throughout the southern provinces of Namibe, Cunene and Cuando Cubango. There is no evidence that they suffer from official discrimination of harassment, but they do not participate actively in the political or economic life of the country and have no ability to influence government decisions concerning their interests. [2]

THE BAKONGO

5.40 The Bakongo are one of the third largest ethnic groupings in Angola (Ovimbundu are the largest followed by Kimbundu), although the tribe is spread over three countries: DRC, Congo and Angola. Originally, when Europeans reached this part of Africa in the 15th century, the Bakongo had a centralised kingdom, the Kongo Empire, which lasted until 1665 when the Portuguese defeated them. Subsequently, the Bakongo migrated throughout Angola, Congo and DRC during periods of rebellion. Nowadays, the vast majority, approximately 10 million, live in western DRC, 850,000 in southern Congo and only 600,000 in northern Angola. The two subgroups living in Angola are the Sosso and Sorongo. Their main language, Kikongo, is one of DRC's four national languages, although they traditionally also speak French, a relic of DRC's colonial past. [49][50]

5.41 In 1954, Holden Roberto established the Union of Angolan Peoples (UPA), the original aim of which was to re-unify all strands of the Bakongo into one state. Eventually, in 1958, the UPA dropped the goal of a separatist state for the Bakongo and concentrated instead on independence for all Angolan peoples. In March 1961, the UPA launched an attack on the Portuguese, this was crushed and resulted in up to 400,000 Bakongo fleeing to DRC. Many of these exiles identified themselves as Bakongan rather than Angolan and did not speak Portuguese. The UPA was joined by the MPLA, a Marxist organisation that later drew support from Cuba and the USSR. In 1962 the UPA became the FNLA (National Front for the Liberation of Angola). In 1963, a member of the FNLA called Jonas Savimbi broke away to found his own resistance movement which he named National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). [27][50]

5.42 Each of Angola's three largest ethno-linguistic groups has been associated with a respective military organisation during the fight for independence and the civil war that followed. The Ovimbundu people of the south with UNITA, the Mbundu with the MPLA (who also attracted the intellectuals in Luanda) and the Bakongo with the FNLA. [50]

5.43 The three resistance groups formed the first post-independence government in 1975 but, after much factional fighting, the MPLA emerged victorious in 1976 to govern alone. However, with the MPLA ascendancy, both the Bakongo and the Ovimbundu were discriminated against but, by the late 1970s, the FNLA was unable to continue its guerrilla activities because of a lack of popular support outside the northern regions. By 1979, most of the fighting was concentrated away from the north and many of those Bakongo who had fled to DRC were able to return. Their exiled leader, Holden Roberto, was able to return to fight the 1992 presidential election after political parties were legalised. In September 1992, the FNLA received 2.5% of the National Assembly seats in the first direct elections since independence. [50]

5.44 Several Bakongo separatist groups exist in the UK. Their aim is self-determination for the Bakongo but their publications and propaganda are unclear. There is no evidence of links with home-based movements.

i) ABAR (Association of Angolan Bakongo Refugees in the UK)

They appear to be principally a welfare organisation for Angolan Bakongo refugees. They are based at Newham Refugee Centre in London and state their priorities as assistance, support and practical advice for members. Their President is Dr Avelino Makiese and the Secretary Antonio Ndiluawu.

ii) KIMVUKA/MBFA (Bakongo Movement for Federalism in Angola) Dedicated to self-determination for the Bakongo and the transformation of Angola into a federal state and based in Tottenham, North London. They issue newsletters and statements about events in Angola, in the most part made up of political slogans. Their Permanent Secretary is Avelino Makiese.

iii) MAKO (Movement for Self-determination for the Kongo)

Based in London, they have joined forces with the MBFA and announced, in June 1998, they would be working together on a joint programme. Their President is Joao Mansianganisoma. [52][53]

5.45 In Angola there is no discrimination in law against those of Bakongo origin and no evidence that, for example, they are prevented from trading or treated as second class citizens in society as a whole. But there have been times when they have come under suspicion and been attacked as a group. One of the most serious instances of persecution was directed against "Zairians" (i.e. Bakongo Angolans) on January 22 1993. Rumours were spread of a plot to kill the Angolan president, which resulted in "Zairians" being hunted down and chased from the markets. Officially 69 people were killed in the disturbances in several cities although most reports talk of between four and six thousand dead. The killers are reputed to be the military, the national police and civilians. The massacre became known as "Bloody Friday" and was condemned by the government. But this incident is not indicative of the general picture and there has been no repetition. [27][50]

5.46 A substantial Bakongo community continues to live in Luanda and they have been able to join the major political parties, including the MPLA. There is no evidence of a systematic persecution or targeting of Bakongo. However the Bakongo are likely targets if a scapegoat is needed. [27]

5.47 If a Bakongo did fall victim to scapegoating, they would not necessarily be able to look to the police for protection (although this would also apply to many other Angolans). The Angolan police are poorly paid and generally acknowledged to be corrupt and lacking in discipline. They tend to be motivated more by the opportunity to extort bribes than the pursuit of justice. It could not therefore be ruled out that a Bakongo who had come to the attention of the authorities might be pressurised by members of the police with a view to extorting bribes. [27]

5.48 Although a Bakongo returning from abroad would probably be recognised as such, he or she would not automatically be associated with UNITA (traditionally supported by the Ovimbundu, rather than the Bakongo) or with any opposition elements. [27]

WOMEN:

CRIME & SOCIAL ISSUES

5.49 Violence against women is widespread. Credible evidence indicates that a significant proportion of homicides were perpetrated against women, usually by their spouses. In 1997 a Ministry of Women was created to deal specifically with violence against women. During 1999 the Ministry worked closely with NGO’s and international organisations on a project to reduce violence against women and improve the status of women. Due to the poor economic conditions an increasing number of women have engaged in prostitution. In September 1999 the Government vowed to curb the increase in prostitution in the country. The Minister of Family and Women Promotion said that measures taken to tackle the problem included the establishment of schools for re-education and specific training centres for teaching cooking, art and sewing. [2][64l]

DISCRIMINATION

5.50 The Constitution and Family Code provides for equal rights without regard to gender; however societal discrimination against women remains a problem, particularly in rural areas. In addition, a portion of the Civil code dates back to colonial times and includes discriminatory provisions against women in the areas of inheritance, property sales, and participation in commercial activities. A series of national conferences on women’s rights, partially funded by foreign donors, continued to produce calls fir the government to amend the Civil Code to end women’s legal inequality, create a social welfare programme, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms for existing legislation. The maternal mortality rate in 1996 was estimated at 1,500 deaths per 100,000 live births. There are no effective mechanisms to enforce child support laws, and women carry the major portion of responsibilities in raising children. [2]

5.51 Despite constitutional protections, women suffer from discrimination. The law provides for equal pay for equal work, but in practice, women rarely are compensated equally. Some women hold senior positions in the military (primarily in the medical field) and civil service, but women mostly are relegated to low-level positions in state-run industries and in the small private sector. In much of the country, women constituted a growing percentage of the disabled, since they were most likely to become victims of landmines while foraging for food and firewood in agricultural areas (see paragraph 5.86). Under the law, adult women may open bank accounts, accept employment, and own property without interference form their spouses. Upon the death of a male head of household, the widow automatically is entitled to 50 per cent of the estate with the remainder divided equally among legitimate children [2]

CHILDREN

5.52 Some 50% of the population are believed to be under the age of 15; however, the Government pays little attention to children’s rights and welfare. Even before hostilities escalated again in 1998, under-5 mortality was 292 per 1000, with 42% of all children moderately to severely underweight. In 1999 the Ministry of Education was reported to be barely functioning and only 40% of school age children were reported to be enrolled in school with a high drop-out rate during the first year. [2][75]

5.53 There has been an increase in the number of street children in Luanda and other cities, in 1998 UNICEF estimated that there were approximately 5000, some orphaned and some who ran away. This has resulted from the breakdown of family structures due to the civil war and the dire economic circumstances. Living conditions in youth hostels are so poor the majority of children preferred to sleep on the streets. Orphanages are overcrowded and admission to schools difficult because the children often do not have the necessary identification papers. Child prostitution is also an increasing problem. One NGO estimated that there were between 500 and 1000 child prostitutes in Luanda. Street children shine shoes, wash cars, and carry water but many resort to petty crime. Girls roaming the streets, although less numerous than boys, are often subjected to rape, sometimes even by the police. With the assistance of aid agencies, the Angolan Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a scheme to trace the relatives of such children and re-unite them, but in practice the children are not always willing to be returned as, due to domestic violence, circumstances there can be even worse. Equally, the relatives are not always willing or able to take them back. Children often held in prison for petty theft are incarcerated with the adult detainees and often suffer abuse from both prisoners and guards. However, Angola is currently revising it juvenile justice system with aid of UNICEF, and drop-in centres and a foster parent placement system has been set up for those children either separated from their families or orphaned by the conflict. [2][40][75]

5.54 Since the civil war flared up again at the end of 1998, children, along with aid workers, have become targets of roaming groups of bandits who operate in the no-man's-land between areas controlled by either UNITA or the government. No reliable figures are available for the number of children killed, but reports abound of robberies that have turned into massacres. UNITA and the Government allowed 8,000 child soldiers to be demobilised in 1996 and 1997. The Government has not brought any significant number of children back into the armed forces, although some children might have been caught up in forced recruitment campaigns (see paragraph 4.23). There are credible reports that UNITA forcibly has recruited children into its armed forces (see paragraph 4.27). In March 2000 a spokesman for Angolan Christian Churches Council alleged that UNITA rebels stoned, then crucified six children in the town of Beu, close to the DRC border, for allegedly giving information to government forces. [2][62][67]

5.55 The legal minimum age for employment is 14 years. Children between the ages of 14 and 18 may not work at night, in dangerous conditions, or in occupations requiring great physical effort; however, these provision generally are not enforced. The Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security is responsible for enforcing labour laws. The Ministry maintains employment centres where prospective employees register, and the centre screens out applicants under the age of 14; however, many younger children work on family farms, as domestic servants, and in the informal sector. Family based child labour in subsistence agriculture is common. Poverty and social upheavals have brought large numbers of orphaned and abandoned children, as well as runaways, into unregulated urban employment in the informal sector. The law prohibits forced or bonded child labour; however, the Government is unable to enforce these provisions. [2]

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

5.56 Female genital mutilation (FGM) is widely condemned by international health experts as damaging to both physical and psychological health. There has been very little evidence of FGM in Angola. There have been rare occurrences of FGM in remote areas of Moxico province, bordering the DRC and Zambia in previous years; however, information from local and international health workers, including midwives, indicated that indigenous groups do not practice FGM. [2]

C: RESPECT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

Rights of the Individual

5.57 The Constitution provides all adult citizens with the right to vote by secret ballot in direct multiparty elections to choose the President of the Republic and deputies in the 223-seat National Assembly; however, in practice, citizens have no effective means to change their government. The Lusaka Protocol established the mechanism for returning the country to an electoral calendar, but in June 1999 the National Assembly voted to postpone new elections due to the renewal of conflict. There are currently plans for elections to be held in 2001 (see paragraph 3.21). Opposition parties complain of harassment and intimidation by government security forces [2]

5.58 The Government infringed on citizens’ privacy rights. The Government maintained a sophisticated security apparatus dedicated to the surveillance, monitoring, and wiretapping of certain groups, including opposition party leaders, journalists, members of the National Assembly and foreign diplomats. [2]

5.59 The Constitution provides for the right to organise and for collective bargaining; however, the Government generally does not respect these rights in practice (see paragraph 5.78). The Government dominates the economy through state-run enterprises. The Ministry of Public Administration, Employment, and Social Security sets wages and benefits on an annual basis. Legislation prohibits discrimination against union members and calls for worker complaints to be adjudicated in regular civil courts. Under the law, employers found guilty of anti-union discrimination are required to reinstate workers who have been fired for union activities. In practice, neither the Labour Code nor the judicial systems are capable of defending these rights. [2]

5.60 The law permits the Government to force workers back to work for breaches of worker discipline and participation in strikes, and has been cited by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as an example of forced labour in violation of ILO conventions. The law prohibits forced or bonded child labour, and there are no reports that such labour occurs in government-held areas; however, the Government does not have the capacity to enforce this legislation in non-government-held areas. [2]

5.61 UNITA forces regularly abduct children for military service and other forms of forced labour. UNITA depends on forced labour for much of its logistical support. Refugees and internally displaced persons reported that rural women are frequently forced to work as porters for UNITA military units and kept in life threatening conditions of servitude. There also were credible reports of sexual assault. [2]

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

5.62 The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, including the separation of church and state, and the Government respects this right in practice. The Government does not require religious groups to register. Colonial era statutes banned all non-Christian religious groups from Angola; while these statutes still exist, they are no longer in effect. There have been no recent reports of religious detainees or prisoners. [2][7]

5.63 Christianity is the religion of the vast majority of the country’s population estimated at 11.5 million. Roman Catholicism is the country’s largest single denomination, claiming 5 million adherents, but precise figures cannot be verified. The major Protestant denominations are also present, along with a number of indigenous African and Brazilian Christian denominations. The largest Protestant denominations include the Methodists, Baptists, United Church of Christ, and Congregationalists. The largest syncretic religious group is the Kimbanguist Church, whose followers believe that a mid-20^th century Congolese pastor named Joseph Kimbangu, was a prophet. A small portion of the country’s rural population practises animism or traditional indigenous religions. There is a small Islamic community based around migrants from West Africa. There are also a number of government officials whose adherence to dialectical materialism includes atheism. There are amicable relations between the country’s religious denominations, and there is a functioning ecumenical movement, particularly in support of peace. [2][7][16]

5.64 While in general the rebel group UNITA permitted freedom of religion, interviews with persons who left UNITA-controlled areas revealed that the clergy did not enjoy the right to criticise UNITA policies. In January 1999, unknown gunmen killed Father Albino Saluaco, a Catholic parish priest, and two catechists in a town in the province of Huambo that was under UNITA military occupation. Father Saluaco had served as deputy direction of a project to reintegrate child soldiers into their families. [2][7]

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE PRESS

5.65 The Constitution provides for freedom of expression and of the press and specifically provides that the media cannot be subject to ideological, political, or artistic censorship; however, the Government does not respect this right in practice. Unlike 1998, when the Government’s record in this area improved, it deteriorated during 1999. The Government continued to intimidate and threaten journalists into practising self-censorship. There were reports that the Government pays journalists to publish pro-government stories. Government authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, and the presidential spokesman, consistently warned the press that they were subject to press and national security laws and would be subject to fines and imprisonment for reporting information that "threatens the security of the state". The Government detained or placed under investigation journalists who reported sensitive issues, including military operations, government corruption, and UNITA, especially Jonas Savimbi. Journalists acknowledge that they exercise self-censorship. [2]

5.66 In January 1999 the Government issued a memo that effectively ordered a news ban on coverage of the civil war. The independent media largely ignored the ban, this prompted the Government to accuse it of supporting UNITA. In June 1999 and again in September 1999, the Minister of Social Communication threatened the independent press with closure if it did not support the Government’s war efforts against UNITA. [2]

5.67 Throughout 1999 and in early 2000 there have been several incidents of journalists being harassed, attacked and prosecuted. Examples of harassment and attacks included a soldier assaulting a Voice of America (VOA) correspondent in April 1999 after she reported on the lack of whites or persons of mixed race at a military recruitment centre. In May 1999 police reportedly beat a journalist during a routine traffic stop when they learned of his profession. The same month a female Reuters correspondent was assaulted by three men in Luanda. [2][18][20]

5.68 During 1999 police detained approximately 20 journalists for questioning in connection with charges of slander, defamation, and crimes against the security of the State. In January 1999 two journalists from Radio Morena were arrested for re-broadcasting a Portuguese radio interview with a UNITA official. On August 9 1999 Radio Ecclesia re-broadcast a BBC interview with Jonas Savimbi; shortly after the broadcast police raided the studio and detained for questioning the director, the news producer, and an editor. They were released the following morning but were later detained for further questioning along with five other staff members. All were released later that day. Also in August 1999 police detained VOA journalist, Isaias Soares, for 2 hours for questioning and accused him of defamation after he filed a report that local government officials were diverting humanitarian aid. In September 1999 Willian Tonet, the editor of Folha 8, and another journalist were detained and questioned in connection with an article on the Radio Ecclesia detentions. Shortly thereafter the Government warned Tonet that he still was under investigation and could not leave the country. [2][18]

5.69 In October 1999 the National Department of Criminal Investigation (DNIC) detained Rafael Marques, an independent journalist and human rights activist known for his vocal criticism of the government. Marques was charged with defamation and slander, largely in connection with an article that appeared in "Angora" in July 1999 referring to President dos Santos as a dictator. He was held for approximately five weeks before being released pending a trial. This began on 21 March 2000 but was largely held in secret. On 31 March 2000 Marques was convicted of defaming President dos Santos and was sentenced to six months imprisonment and a fine the equivalent of approximately US$20,000. In the same case the editor of "Angora" received a sentence of two months’ imprisonment and an undisclosed fine. Both sentences have been suspended pending an appeal, however both journalists have been banned from commenting orally or in writing about the case or travelling outside the country. [2][18][48]

5.70 On 2 December 1999 police arrested Mussamo, chief editor of the Cuanza Norte provincial branch of Angolan National Radio as well as correspondent for the independent newspaper Folha 8, in the provincial capital, N’Dalatando. Police accused the editor of crimes against state security after he wrote an unpublished article referring to a confidential letter from the provincial governor to President dos Santos. He was detained until mid-March 2000 but it is unclear whether he was ever formally charged. [18][41]

5.71 The majority of the media is state-run and carries very little criticism of the Government. During 1999 semi-independent newspapers and private radio stations grew increasingly bold in their criticism of government policies and actions. A list of publications is attached (Annex G). Radio is the most important form of communication in Luanda, only 6% of the population read newspapers while over 60% have access to the radio. There are five commercial radio stations including the Catholic Radio Ecclesia, and Radio Lac Luanda, which openly criticise aspects of government policies and highlight poor socio-economic conditions. [2][20]

5.72 A committee composed of the Minister of Social Communication, the spokesman of the presidency, and the directors of state-run media organisations controls media policy and censorship. The MPLA’s secretary general also influences the content and tone of state-run media reporting. The Government used its control of the media to engage in a hostile propaganda campaign against UNITA, including unconfirmed allegations of UNITA massacres, as a means of influencing local and international public opinion. The Government generally did not restrict the activities of foreign media, however there were isolated incidents including those listed previously in this section. [2]

5.73 In November 1999 Amnesty International published a report condemning the Angolan government’s treatment of journalists. The report called for the government to end the culture of violence against journalists and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. [20]

UNITA AREAS

5.74 In UNITA-controlled areas no media organisations can function except under the absolute control of party officials. UNITA media includes Radio Vorgan, which broadcast sporadically during 1999 from the highlands, and a UNITA website. Since the resumption of the conflict in December 1998 media personnel have not been allowed free access to UNITA areas, either by the Government or UNITA. [2]

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION

5.75 The Constitution provides for the right of assembly; however, the Government restricts this right of practice. The law requires a minimum of 3 days’ prior notice before public or private assemblies are held, and makes participants liable for "offences against the honour and consideration due to persons and to organs of sovereignty". Applications for pro-government assemblies are granted routinely without delay; however, applications for protest assemblies are rarely granted. [2]

5.76 The Constitution provides for the right of association; however, the Government restricts this right in practice. Legislation allows the Government to deny registration to private associations on security grounds, and the Government arbitrarily limits organised activities deemed adverse to its interests. There is no freedom of assembly or association in areas of the country under UNITA control. [2]

5.77 The Constitution provides for the right to form and join trade unions, engage in union activities, and strike; however, in practice the Government does not respect these rights consistently. The Government dominated the National Union of Angolan Workers (UNTA), which is affiliated with the ruling MPLA party; however, the General Centre of Independent and Freedom Labour Unions of Angola (CGSILA) is independent, and has approximately 51,000 members. The law requires that labour unions be recognised by the Government. Restrictions on civil liberties potentially prevent any labour activities not approved by the Government; however, the major impediment to the labour movements ability to advocate on behalf of workers is the 80 per cent formal sector unemployment rate. [2]

5.78 The Constitution provides for the right to strike. Legislation passed in 1991 provides the legal framework for, and strictly regulates this right. The law prohibits lockouts and worker occupation of places of employment, and provides protection for non-striking workers. It prohibits strikes by military and police personnel, prison workers, and fire fighters. The law does not prohibit employer retribution against strikers effectively. During 1999 there were several public sector strikes over salaries and conditions, which deteriorated due to the high inflation rate. Public employees received major pay increases as a result of these strikes. [2]

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IN ANGOLA

5.79 The Constitution provides for freedom of movement and residence, and freedom of exit from and entry into the country; however the Government does not respect these rights in practice. During 1999, a network of government checkpoints throughout the country interfered with the right to travel. Such checkpoints served as a source of income for many of the country’s security service personnel. Extortion at checkpoints was reported to be routine in the centre of Luanda and pervasive on major commercial routes. The Government routinely cuts off access to areas of the country that are deemed insecure or beyond the administrative authority of the State. Transportation links between Government and UNITA-held territory were broken as a result of conflict. The Government did not place restrictions on emigration and repatriation. [2]

5.80 Human rights and relief workers who interviewed Angolan refugees and displaced persons reported that UNITA limits the free movement of civilians both by preventing persons from fleeing some areas under their control, and by displacing them to areas of government control. UNITA reportedly use military patrols, checkpoints, and landmines (see paragraph 5.85) to keep persons from leaving their home areas. Refugees who fled the country and who were not part of the Ovimbundu majority within UNITA said that arbitrary public punishment, including death by firing squad or by immolation, were used to deter others from leaving. There is also some evidence to suggest a pattern of UNITA displacing persons and forcing them to flee to government-controlled cities in order to increase pressure on the Government to deal with increased humanitarian burdens. [2]

INTERNAL FLIGHT

5.81 In general terms, the Angolan authorities are well aware of the economic and social pressures which motivate Angolans of all ethnic origins to seek to emigrate, and that asylum applications are often used as a means of achieving this. The controls at Luanda airport are thorough and any Angolans who have been deported from abroad, or who lived abroad for many years, would be questioned by immigration and police at the airport with a view to establishing their identity and whether they were of interest to the authorities for political or criminal reasons. But the fact of applying for asylum would not, if discovered, be of particular interest. There is no evidence to suggest that returned emigrants are forced to either leave Luanda or return to their area of origin. [27]

5.82 Flight from agents of persecution is possible but fraught with difficulty. The effects of the civil war including the continued laying of mines, illegal roadblocks and check points as well as a deep rooted hatred between UNITA and government supporters has resulted in a potentially extremely hazardous journey for those fleeing. [24]

5.83 The extension of State administration, (as required under the Lusaka protocol peace agreement) had been concluded only in four provinces, out of a total of eighteen, but within the last few months before the resumption of hostilities, this figure has changed many times. Territory controlled by UNITA is not necessarily administered by them; however, access is denied to the Government. Those suspected of being UNITA or Government sympathisers are likely to face hostilities if travelling within State administered or UNITA controlled areas respectively. [10] [24]

LANDMINES

5.84 In 1998 UN statistics indicated that some 10 million landmines were planted throughout Angola during the 30 years of civil war, mainly in the agricultural provinces. Prior to the renewal of hostilities in 1998 the Government had established de-mining teams but by September 1998 these had virtually ceased to operate. Following the resumption of hostilities both FAA forces and UNITA began laying new mines. This development led to several donor countries cutting aid for de-mining operations led by international organisations. [29][64k]

5.85 Mines laid by UNITA forces on roads are a major impediment to the freedom of internal circulation. According to UN and NGO reports, UNITA uses anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines to prevent government forces from entering areas under its control and to restrict movement of civilians, either by keeping them within areas it controls, or by keeping them from leaving government towns. UNITA also used landmines to make areas unsuitable for cultivation and to deny hostile populations access to water supplies and other necessities. Government use of landmines generally was confined to defensive positions and around towns under threat of UNITA attack. Fear of injury and death from landmines effectively imprisoned and impoverished entire communities. There were over 80,000 survivors and an unknown number of fatalities due to landmine explosions during 1999. [2]

5.86 Approximately 1 in every 356 persons is an amputee as a result of landmine explosions. Observers believe that the increase in incidents is due not to new landmines, but to the movement of internally displaced persons into areas in which they are less familiar. There were reports that some internally displaced persons, desperate for nourishment, used the sticks that marked mined fields to light their cooking fires. [2]

5.87 An unpleasant trend emerging during 1999 was the booby trapping of mines. There are 2 main methods: one is to fit the ordnance (it doesn't have to be a landmine, as it does not need to be triggered by pressure), with a sophisticated sensor the size of a cigarette packet which reacts to the magnetic field of a metal-detector, thereby detonating itself when the de-miner is up to 20 yards away. The second way is to fit a light-detecting device, powered by batteries which last for up to 12 months, which detonate when the ordnance is exposed to light, i.e. when it has been detected and is about to be defused. As neither of these devices is technically a landmine, the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, signed in 1997, does not cover them. David Ginola, apparently a famous footballer, has replaced the late Princess Diana as figurehead of the anti-landmines campaign. [70a]

1. A law enacted in May 1991 specifies that political parties "must be national in character and scope". Specifically prohibited are parties that "are local and regional in character; foster tribalism, racism, regionalism or other forms of discrimination against citizens or affect national unity and territorial integrity; use or propose the use of violence to pursue their aims; adopt a uniform for their members or adopt clandestine parallel structures; use military, paramilitary or militarised organisation; or are subordinate to the policy of foreign governments, bodies or parties". The 1991 law also makes provision for registered parties to receive state financial assistance on the basis of their support in the most recent general election and the number of candidates presented.

At present the main parties in Angola include:

1. MOVIMENTO POPULAR DE LIBERTACAO DE ANGOLA (MPLA)

Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola

Founded in 1956 and backed by USSR. Between 1961 and 1974 conducted guerrilla operations against colonial rule, has been the ruling party since independence achieved from Portugal in 1975. In 1990 replaced Marxist-Leninist ideology with a commitment to democratic socialism. Chair is Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Secretary-General is Joan Manuel Goncalves Lourenco.

2. UNIAO NACIONAL PARA A INDEPENDENCIA TOTAL DE ANGOLA

(UNITA)

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Founded in 1966 to secure independence from Portugal and later received support from Portugal to oppose the MPLA. Joined forces with FNLA (see later) and conducted guerrilla campaign against the MPLA government with aid from some Western nations. Received intermittent support from South Africa and USA. Signed peace agreement with MPLA - PT in November 1994. Implementation of the terms of the peace agreement remains incomplete. President of the party is Jonas Malheiro Savimbi.

3. UNITA Renovada (UNITA-R):

The UNITA Renewal Committee

Founded 1998; splinter group claiming to be legitimate leadership of UNITA and recognised as such by MPLA, although commanding minority support among UNITA members; Leader EUGINIO MANUVAKOLA.

4. FORUM DEMOCRATICO ANGOLANO (FDA)

Angolan Democratic Forum

Registered in 1992 the FDA was allocated one cabinet post in the "unity" government announced in December 1992. Leader is Jorge Rebelo Pinto Chicoti.

5. PARTIDO DEMOCRATICO LIBERAL ANGOLAN (PDLA)

Angolan Democratic Liberal Party

Founded after the move to multi - party democracy in May 1991. Leader is Honorato Lando. Not represented in the National Assembly.

6. PARTIDO DEMOCRATICO ANGOLANA (PDA)

Angolan Democratic Party

Founded in 1992 - opposes both the government party MPLA and UNITA. The leader, Antonio

Alberto Neto was placed third in the first round of Presidential elections in 1992 but the party failed to gain any representation in the National Assembly.

7. PARTIDO NACIONAL DEMOCRATICO DE ANGOLA (PNDA)

Angolan National Democratic Party

Founded during the transition to multi party democracy in May 1991 (formally called the Angolan National Democratic Convention). The leader is Pedro Joao Antonio and the party is represented with one seat in the National Assembly.

8. ALIANCA DEMOCRATICA DE ANGOLA (ADA)

Democratic Alliance of Angola

The ADA was created by a number of opposition parties prior to the September 1992 multi - party elections. Taking 0.9% of the popular vote in the Assembly balloting, the party won one seat. Leader is Simba Da Costo.

9. PARTIDO DEMOCRATICO PARA PROGRESSO-ALIANCA NACIONAL ANGOLA (PDP - ANA)

Democratic Party for Progress - Angolan National Alliance

Right-wing party formed in 1991 advocates capitalism and humanism. Led by Mfulumpinga Lando Victor and has one seat in the National Assembly.

10. PARTIDO RENOVADOR DEMOCRATICO (PRD)

Democratic Renewal Party

Founded by surviving dissidents of the MPLA-PT who staged an abortive coup in 1977. Led by Luis da Silva dos Passos, the party has one seat in the National Assembly.

11. PARTIDO LIBERAL DEMOCRATICO (PLD)

Liberal Democratic Party

Founded in 1991, the leader Amalia de Vitoria Pereira came tenth out of eleven candidates in the first round of presidential elections but gained three of the two hundred and twenty seats in the National Assembly.

12. PARTIDO DA ALIANCA DA JUVENTUDE, OPERARIOS E CAMPONESES DE ANGOLA (PAJOCA)

Party of the Alliance of Youth, Workers and Peasants of Angola

Founded in May 1991 and led by Miguel Joao Sebastiao, the party has one seat in the National Assembly.

13. PARTIDO SOCIAL DEMOCRATICO (PSD)

Social Democratic Party

Formed in May 1991, the Presidential candidate, Bengue Pedro Joao was placed seventh in elections whilst the party gained one seat in the National Assembly.

14. DEMOCRATIC CIVILIAN OPPOSITION:

Founded 1994; opposition alliance which includes:

CONVENCAO NACIONAL DEMOCRATA DE ANGOLA (CNDA):

Leader Paulino Pinto Joao.

FRENTE NACIONAL DE LIBERTACAO DE ANGOLA (FNLA)

Founded in 1962. President is Lucas Ngonda.

Leader: Isidoro Klala.

Leader: Sukawa Dizizeko Ricardo.

Leader: Sebastiao Rogerio Suzama.

PARTIDO RENOVADOR SOCIAL (PRS)

The centrist PRS was formed in May 1991 and subsequently joined other opposition parties in calling for a national conference to agree a new political system. The party took third place in the Assembly balloting winning six seats. President: Eduardo Kwangana.

Leader: Fernendo Dombassi Quiesse.

PARTIDO ANGOLANO LIBERAL (PAL)

Acting leader: Manuel Francisco Lulo.

(Angolan Social Democratic Party)

Leader: Andre Milton Kilandamoko.

FRENTE DE LIBERTACAO DO ENCLAVE DE CABINDA (FLEC)

Founded in 1961 as a nationalist movement seeking separate independence for Cabinda province. Comprises of several factions.

The FLEC factions with a military wing are:

Chair: Henrique Tiago N’Zita, Chief of State Commdr. Estanislou Miguel Bomba. This is the most militant and military active service group. It mostly operates in the north and along the Chiluango River.

President: Antonio Bento Bembe, Secretary-General Arturo Chibasa. It is a smaller group, which mostly operate south of the Chiluango River.

Led by Francisco Xavier Lubota. Have not been as active as FLEC/FAC or FLEC-R.

5.46 The other factions are much less important and have little or no influence on the Cabindan scene. These include:

i. FLEC/ORIGINAL headed by Luis Ranque Franque who is one of the historic FLEC figures but who has lived in exile for most of his life.

ii. UNCL is based in Libreville, Gabon and is headed by Luigi Carneiro Gimbi (or Jimbi), is moderate but far less representative of Cabindan opinion than FLEC/FAC or FLEC/R.

iii. UNALEC founded in 1985 by Professor Afonso Massanga.

AGUIONALDO Jamie: Governor of Banco Nacional de Angola

ALBRIGHT Dr Madeleine: US Secretary of State

ANNAN Kofi: UN Secretary General

ALVS Nito: Former MPLA Minister who staged abortive coup in May 1977

BEN-BEN Gen. Arlindo Chenda Isaac Pena: Deputy Chief of Staff, FAA. (Died October 1998)

BEYE Alioune Blondin: UN Secretary general's special representative to Angola (died June 1998)

BOCK General Bango Sapalalo: Chief of Operation, FALA

CARNEIRO Higino (General): Deputy head of government delegation at joint commission

CHITUNDA Jeremias: Vice President of UNITA

DEMBO Gen. Antonio Sebastiao: Vice President of UNITA

DIALLO Issa: UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Angola (Maitre Beye's replacement). Arrived August 1998.

van DUNEM Fernando Jose Franca - Prime Minister

FERNANDES Gen. Tony da Costa: Angolan Ambassador to UK

GATO Armindo Lucas Paulo: Secretary - General of UNITA

IZATA Sebastiao: Vice Foreign Minister

LAVRADOR Sebastiao Bastos: Governor of Banco Nacional de Angola - appointed 1996

MANUVAKOLA Eugenio Antonino Ngolo: Former Secretary-General of UNITA - signed Lusaka Protocol on behalf of UNITA

de MATOS Gen. Joao Baptista: Chief of Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) General staff

MOCO Marcolino Jose Carlos: Prime Minister 11/92 - 06/96

MOURA Dr Venancio da Silva: Foreign Minister - signed Lusaka Protocol on behalf of MPLA

MUTEKA Faustino: Minister for Territorial Administration

NETO Dr Agostinho: President MPLA pre - independence to 1979

SAMAKUVA Isaias: head of UNITA delegation in Joint Commission, fled abroad in September 1998

dos SANTOS Jose Eduardo :President of the Republic of Angola.

SAVIMBI Dr Jonas: President of UNITA

TIAGO Henrique N'Zita: Leader of FLEC/FAC

TONHA Col - Gen. Pedro Maria: Minister of Defence since 1980 - died in London July 1995

VALENTIM Jorge Alicerces: Tourism minister, now head of UNITA breakaway faction UNITA-R (UNITA Renovada)

ZABARRA Col. Isaac: secretary to UNITA's military council - surrendered to FAA and alleged Savimbi privately rejected peace accord.

ANNEX C

There are eight main tribes: Xikongo, Susso, Zombo, Sorongo, Iacas, Congo, Pombo and Suco. The Bakongo tribes are not exclusive to Angola - they are also found in neighbouring DRC and Congo (Brazzaville).

There are twenty main tribes: Ambundu, Luanda, Luango, Ntembo, Puna, Dembo, Bangala, Holo, Cari, Chinje, Minuungo, Bambeiro, Quilbala, Haco, Sende, Ngola, (or Jinga), Bondo, Songo, Quissama and Libola.

This tribe is exclusive to Angola in the Luanda area fanning outwards to Cuanza Norte and Malange.

This is a homogeneous group divided into 22 chiefdoms. The tribe is exclusive to Angola within the Central Plateau region.

There are seven main tribes: Lunda, Lunda-lua-Chindes, Lunda-Ndembo, Mataba, Cacongo, Mai, and Chokwe. The Luanda are not exclusive to Angola, found also in neighbouring DRC (Shaba Province) and Zambia (Western province) but the Chokwe proper are exclusive to Angola, in the Mexico region.

There are four main tribes inside Angola: Cuanhama, Cuamatui, Evale and Cafima. The Cuanhama (or Cuanyama) is also found in neighbouring Namibia.

There are ten main tribes: Muilas, Gambos, Humbes, Donguenas, Hingas, Cuancuas, Handas, Quipungos, Quilengues-Humbes and Quilengues-Musos. The tribe is exclusive to Angola in Huila and Cunene provinces of the South.

There are twenty main tribes: Luimbe, Lovale, Lutchazi, Bunda, Ganguila, Ambuela, Ambuila-Mambumbo, Econjeiro, Ngonoielo, Mbande, Cangale, Iahuma, Gengista, Nicoia, Canachi, Ndungo, Nhengo, Nhemba, and Avico.

Note: there are variations of spelling of all the above tribes. [5]

ANNEX D

1974 MPLA agrees an internal structure for party and appoints Dr Agostino Neto as president

JANUARY 1975 Meeting between MPLA, UNITA and FNLA in Kenya: Common political programme reached

JANUARY 1975 Agreement reached between the three nationalist parties and Portuguese government establishing date of independence and transitional government structure

Fighting breaks out between the MPLA and FNLA

JULY 1975 MPLA expels FNLA from capital, UNITA becomes fully involved in fighting

OCTOBER 1975 South African troops enter Angola to support UNITA and FNLA

NOVEMBER 1975 Cuban troops assist MPLA

11 NOV 1975 Independence from Portugal - people's republic of Angola

FEBRUARY 1976 Organisation of African unity recognise Angola as member state.

DECEMBER 1977 MPLA formulates rigorous Marxist/Leninist programme for party and changes name to MPLA -

Pt: Partido de Trabalho.

SEPTEMBER 1979 President Jose Eduardo dos Santos takes over after death of Dr Agostinho Neto.

NOVEMBER 1980 People's assembly inaugurated

1981 - 1983 South African troops occupy large areas of territory in Angola whilst fighting war with Namibian nationalists.

MID 1987 South Africa confirms support for UNITA & engages in direct military action with Cuban & Soviet troops in Angola.

22 DEC 1988 Bilateral agreement signed by Angola & Cuba and tripartite accord by Angola, Cuba & South Africa.

JANUARY 1989 UN Security Council authorise creation of a UN Angola verification mission (UNAVEM) to monitor withdrawal of Cuban troops.

FEBRUARY 1989 MPLA government offer 12 month amnesty to members of rebel organisations

JUNE/JULY 1990 MPLA - Pt decide that Angola would move towards a multi-party political system.

OCTOBER 1990 Marxist/Leninist ideology replaced with a commitment to democratic socialism.

MARCH 1991 Political parties legalised

1 MAY 1991 Estoril peace agreement

JUNE 1991 Joint military and political committee meets for first time

15 JULY 1991 Amnesty law introduced

MAY 1992 Suffix 'pt' deleted from MPLA’s name

AUGUST 1992 Country name changed to Republic of Angola

27 SEPT 1992 FAPLA and UNITA forces disbanded and new national army, the Forcas Armadas de Angola (FAA) established

29/30 SEPT 92 Presidential and legislative elections take place

5 OCT 1992 UNITA withdraw from FAA

11 OCT 1992 Heavy fighting breaks out in Luanda, Malanje, Huambo and Huila provinces

END NOV 1992 UNITA reported to be in control of two thirds of the country

22 JAN 1993 Bloody Friday: riots against French speaking Angolans and Zairians in Luandan market areas. 69 Bakongo killed.

19 MAY 1993 US government officially recognises Angolan government

26 SEPT 1993 UN imposes arms and petroleum embargo against UNITA

20 NOV 1994 Lusaka Peace Accord signed

FEBRUARY 1995 UN III created by UN Security Council

MAY 1995 Dos Santos & Savimbi meet in Lusaka for direct talks.

8 MAY 1996 National Assembly approved a new amnesty law covering period of 31

May 1991 to 8 May 1996.

AUGUST 1996 UNITA decline appointment of Savimbi to the position of National Vice President.

NOVEMBER 1996 National Assembly adopt constitutional revision extending its mandate for between two and four years.

11 APRIL 1997 Government of unity and reconciliation inaugurated.

1 JULY 1997 Establishment of MONUA, successor to UNAVEM III.

JULY 1997 Integrated Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) officially inaugurated.

30 OCT 1997 UN imposes additional sanctions against UNITA.

12 NOV 1997 10 die in Malanje prison

28 NOV 1997 Government takes control of UNITA towns in north-east

22 DEC 1997 Registration of 7877 residual UNITA military personnel concluded

8 JAN 1998 239 localities out of 344 are under state control

9 JAN 1998 Government and UNITA agree timetable for implementation of r remaining tasks under Lusaka protocol

END JAN 1998 UN Security Council vote for three-month extension for MONUA

END FEB 1998 Timetable agreed on 9 Jan expires with key areas remaining outstanding

28 JUNE 1998 Death of Beye, UN Secretary General's special representative to Angola

AUGUST 1998 Arrival of Issa Diallo, Beye's replacement

24 AUG 1998 Angolan troops cross the border into DRC to support DRC President Laurent Kabila in the rebellion against him

1 SEP 1998 UNITA MP’s and ministers suspended from Parliament

15 SEP 1998 Angolan government announce they will only negotiate with UNITA-R, SADC recognise UNITA-R

DECEMBER 1998 UN decide to withdraw MONUA, begin evacuation of personnel to Luanda

26 DEC 1998 & Two UN aircraft shot down over UNITA-held territory.

2 JAN 1999

JANUARY 1999 Five UNITA MPs arrested and charged with subversion and treason

FEBRUARY 1999 UN observer mission closed down

JULY 1999 UNITA attack town of Catete, killing 9 and abducting 22.

SEPTEMBER 1999 FAA launch major offensive against UNITA

OCTOBER 1999 Angolan Government approve details for new UN mission with certain restrictions. Announced several of UNITA’s central highland strongholds fallen to FAA. UNITA MPs detained since

January 1999 released on orders of the Supreme Court

NOVEMBER 1999 Government claim 80% of UNITA, conventional war capacity has been destroyed. Senior UNITA Commander General Bandua surrender

DECEMBER 1999 UNITA forces driven towards Namibia and Zambian borders. Namibia provides support to Angolan government and permit attacks from UNITA soil. UNITA launch attacks into Namibia.

JANUARY 2000 Governments announces it is creating conditions for Presidential

and Legislative elections in 2001. Thousands of refugees reported to cross into Zambia as UNITA forced towards border region.

MARCH 2000 The number of internally displaced persons in Luanda is reported to be declining. Countries involved in sanction busting operations to supply UNITA named in UN report.

APRIL 2000 Package of measures to aid economic recovery agreed with IMF.

The results of the Presidential and Legislative elections published on 17 October 1992 were as follows:

Deputy Minister of Defence

Ministries of: Geology & Mines

Trade

Health

Hotel & Transportation

Home Affairs

Finance

Agriculture

Public Works

Social Reintegration

Mass Communication

Commerce

NB All UNITA representatives suspended 01.09.1998 but dos Santos lifted the suspensions on three UNITA ministers (Valentim - Hotels and Tourism, Hossi - Commerce, Sicato - Health) and six vice-ministers in Defence, Interior, Social Re-integration, Finance, Agriculture and Public Works on 23.09.1998 because he had received "the necessary political clarification in relation to the peace process." [26] [39] [54]

CIVPOL CIVILIAN POLICE

CGSILA GENERAL CENTRALE OF INDEPENDENT AND FREE LABOUR UNIONS OF ANGOLA

DRC DRC

FAA ANGOLAN ARMED FORCES

FLEC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF CABINDA ENCLAVE

FNLA NATIONAL FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF ANGOLA

GDP GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

GURN GOVERNMENT OF UNITY AND RECONCILIATION

HRMG HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING GROUP

KZR READJUSTED KWANZA

MONUA UN OBSERVER MISSION IN ANGOLA

MPLA POPULAR MOVEMENT FOR THE LIBERATION OF ANGOLA

PIR RAPID INTERVENTION POLICE

SGSR (UN) SECRETARY GENERAL'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

TPA TELEVISION POPULAR ANGOLA

UN UNITED NATIONS

UNAVEM UNITED NATIONS ANGOLA VERIFICATION MISSION

UNHCR UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES

UNITA NATIONAL UNION FOR THE TOTAL INDEPENDENCE OF ANGOLA

UNSG UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL

UNTA UNION OF ANGOLAN WORKERS

WFP WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

The press was nationalised in 1976.

The following is a list of major newspapers in Angola.

DIARIO DA REPUBLICA: CP 1306, Luanda - official govt bulletin.

O JORNAL DE ANGOLA: Rua Rainha Ginga 18-24, CP 1312, Luanda: Director General Luis Fernendo.

A government publication founded 1923 issued daily: circulation. 41,000.

Newspapers are also published in several regional towns.

ANGOLA NORTE: CP 97, Malanje, published weekly.

A CELULA: Luanda, political journal of MPLA, published monthly.

COMERCIO EXTERNO: Rua da Missao 85, CP 6375, Luanda;

CORREIO DA SEMANA: Rua Rainha Ginga 18-24, CP 1213, Luanda, published weekly. Editor-in-Chief: - Manuel Dionisio.

EME: Rua Ho Chi Minh, Luanda; 1996; MPLA publication.

FOLHA 8: Rua Conselheiro Julio de Vilhena 24, 5⁰ andar, Luanda;

HORIZONTE: Rua da Samba 144, 1⁰ andar, Luanda.

JORNAL DE BENGUELA: CP 17, Benguela, published twice a week.

KWACHA REVIEW: A UNITA weekly published in English.

LAVRA & OFICINA: CP 2767-C, Luanda; founded 1975, journal of the Union of Angolan Writers; published monthly, circulation - 5,000.

MILITAR: Luanda, founded1993. Editor-in-Chief: - Carmo Neto.

NOVEMBRO: CP 3947, Luanda; tel. (2) 331660, published monthly. Director: - Roberto De Almeida.

O PLANALTO: CP 96, Huambo. Published a week.

TEMPOS NOVOS: Avda Combatentes 244, 2⁰ andar, CP 16088, Luanda.

A VOZ DO POVO: Rua Jaoa de Deus 99-103, Vila Alice, Luanda.

A VOZ DO TRABALHADOR: Avda 4 de Fevereiro 210, CP 28, Luanda; journal of Uniao Nacional de Trabalhadores Angolanos (National Union of Angolan Workers), published monthly.

[1)[40]

[1] AFRICA SOUTH OF THE SAHARA 2000

[2] US STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR 1999, ISSUED FEBRUARY 2000

[3] FCO TELEX: ANGOLAN ECONOMY - 2/10/97

[4] FCO BRIEF: ANGOLA COUNTRY FACT SHEET - 10/97

[5] FCO BRIEF: ASYLUM COUNTRY ASSESSMENT PAPER ANGOLA - 19/7/91

[6] FCO ADVICE -LETTER DATED 3/98

[7] US STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ISSUED 09/09/99

[8] BUSINESS BRIEFING: RADIO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA - 1/11/97

[9] BUSINESS BRIEFING: REUTERS - 5/11/97

[10] EUROPEAN UNION REPORT - 2/2/95

[11] POLITICAL PARTIES OF THE WORLD

4th Edition, A Day, R German & J Campbell. Published by Cartermill Publishing 1996

[12] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY REPORT

The Lusaka Protocol: what prospect for human rights? 10/4/96

[13] BBC WORLD NEWS - 15/03/2000

[14] UN SECURITY COUNCIL REPORT DATED 13/8/97

[15] THE STATESMANS YEARBOOK 1997

[16] UNAIDS/WHO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACT SHEET (EXTRACT) - JUNE 1998

[17] UNICEF - RELEIF WEB 11/01/2000

[18] COMMITTEE TO PROJECT JOURNALISTS (CPJ) - 1999 COUNTRY REPORT

[19] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY REPORT 1999 (COVERING 1998)

[20] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION UNDER THREAT - NOVEMBER 1999

[21] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT, ANGOLA AND NAMIBIA - HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN BORDER AREA - MARCH 2000

[22] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 1997:ANGOLA

[23] THE ANGOLAN PEACE MONITOR, PUBLISHED BY ACTION FOR SOUTH AFRICA - 26/10/99

[25] BE LUANDA LETTER DATED 27/6/97

[26] US STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR 1997 DATED 30/1/98

[27] FCO BRIEF: ANGOLA: THE BAKONGO - JANUARY 1998

[28] UN SECURITY COUNCIL REPORT DATED 12/1/98

[29] IRIN - 02/06/99

[30] IRIN - 20/01/2000

[31] IRIN - 26/01/2000

[32] IRIN - 27/03/2000

[33] IRIN - 06/04/2000

[34] DIARIO DE NOTICIAS, LISBON - 5/12/97

[35] BUSINESS BRIEFING: REUTERS - 27/1/98

[36] LETTER FROM OFFICE OF CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, ANGOLAN ARMED FORCES DATED 24/11/93

[37] FCO ADVICE - LETTER DATED 9/2/98

[38] THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER, UK - 21/10/99

[39] THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER, UK - 01/09/98

[40] DUTCH DELEGATION REPORT TO CIREA ON ANGOLA, DATED 20.07.1998.

[41] COMMITTEE TO PROJECT JOURNALISTS (CPJ) - 29/03/2000

[42] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT: ANGOLA, EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS AND TORTURE IN CABINDA, DATED APRIL 1998.

[43] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT: ANGOLA 1998 (COVERING 1997)

[44] EXTRACT FROM REUTERS NEWS SERVICE, DATED 21.09.1998

[45] EXTRACT FROM JANE'S INTELLIGENCE REVIEW 10/98

[46] RTP INTERNACIONAL TV, LISBON - 01/02/00

[47] RADIO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA, LUANDA - 28.09.1998

[48] THE MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA - 03/04/2000

[49] EXTRACT FROM "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD"

BY AMIREN GONEN.

[50] BAKONGO OF ANGOLA, BY ANNE PITSCH, FROM AFRICA: TRIBAL RESOURCES AND ETHNIC GROUPS WEBSITE

[51] TELEVISAO PUBLICA DE ANGOLA, RADIO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA, LUANDA and RTP INTERNACIONAL TV, LISBON - 15/09/98

[52] CONSTITUTION OF "DEMOCRATIC KIMVUKA"

[53] ABAR NEWSLETTER, VOLUME 1, DATED 1997

[54] FCO ADVICE, DATED SEPTEMBER 1998

[55] UN SECRETARY GENERAL'S REPORT ON THE UN OBSERVER MISSION IN ANGOLA (MONUA), JANUARY 1999

[56] PANAFRICAN NEWS AGENCY - 25/03/2000

[57] PANAFRICAN NEWS AGENCY - 04/04/2000

[58] TELEVISAO PUBLICA DE ANGOLA, LUANDA - 20.11.98

[59] ANGOLAN ECCLESIA RADIO, LUANDA - 02/02/2000

[60] BBC WORLD NEWS - 30/01/2000

[61] BBC WORLD NEWS - 13/12/99

[62] BBC WORLD NEWS - 23/03/00

[63] BBC WORLD NEWS - 18/11/99

[64] XINGHUA NEWS AGENCY a) 27/08/99

b) 26/08/99

c) 23/08/99

d) 18/08/99

e) 18/08/99

f) 22/07/99

g) 15/07/99

h) 27/05/99

i) 15/04/99

j) 15.04.99

k) 28/09/98

l) 16/09/99

[65] PUBLICO WEB SITE, LISBON - 21/09/99

[66] GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK, IPS NEWSFEED - 07.06.99.

[67] THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER - 13.05.99

[68] AFRICA NEWS SERVICE a) 11.06.99

b) 12.05.99

[69] AGENCE EUROPE -10.06.99

[70] SUNDAY TIMES - UK NEWSPAPER a) 04/07/99

b) 25/07/99

[71] CIPU ANGOLA BULLETIN 1/99 AND ADVICE TO CASEWORKERS

[72] UNITED NATIONS MAP OF ANGOLA

[73] M2 PRESSWIRE - 25/08/99

[74] REUTERS NEWS SERVICE a) 27/08/99

b) 07/06/99

c) 23/07/99

[75] TWO TEN COMMUNICATIONS - 25/08/99

[76] TELEVISAO PUBLICA DE ANGOLA a) 11/05/99

b) 06/07/99

c) 14/08/99

[77] LUSA NEWS AGENCY WEB SITE, MACAU a) 07/05/99

b) 25/05/99

c) 13/06/99

d) 22/07/99

[78] NOTICIAS DE ANGOLA WEB SITE a) 15/05/99

b) 06/07/99

c) 12/07/99

[79] RDP ANTENA 1 RADIO, LISBON a) 08/07/99

b) 24/08/99

[80] RADIO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA, LUANDA a) 09/06/99

b) 20/11/99

[81] ANGOLAN ECCLESIA RADIO, LUANDA a) 09/07/99

b) 19/07/99

c) 19/08/99

d) 20/08/99

[82] ANGOP NEWS AGENCY, LUANDA a) 12/02/00

b) 09/03/99

[83] BBC WORLD NEWS - 03/11/99

[84] BBC WORLD NEWS - 16/11/99

[85] BBC WORLD NEWS - 18/01/2000

[86] BBC WORLD NEWS - 19/01/2000

1. The general temporary suspension on removals to Angola, which has been in place since August 1998, has been lifted with immediate effect.

2. Some individuals are assessed as being at high risk if returned and caseworkers should not seek to enforce removal in these cases.

3. There should be a careful and full assessment of the risk to individuals within the terms of the 1951 Convention taking account of the latest country information (set out in Version 3 of the country assessment on Angola and previous bulletins to caseworkers).

4. The present situation in Angola is that the fighting between UNITA and the FAA is, for the most part, located in and around the central highlands region. Areas to the north and south are calm, although circumstances change on a daily basis. The capital, Luanda, has remained calm and stable throughout the period of unrest. Recent news reports indicate that the FAA have regained control of several areas, such as large parts of Bie, and are restoring order. The new splinter of UNITA, UNITA-R, has committed itself to the resumption of the peace process. Recent events, such as the shooting down of the two chartered UN flights over UNITA-held territory and the attack on the Yetwene diamond mine, indicate the need to keep the situation closely monitored. The government is applying, and may be extending, the mandatory two year period of military service, required of all males between the ages of 18 and 45 since 1993, although it had fallen into abeyance during the peace process. Further country information will be issued if the situation changes.

5. In addition to the country information already provided, UNHCR have expressed concern about a heightened level of risk to 2 groups:

¨ young men, aged between 15 and 25, who are at risk of forcible conscription (press-ganging) into the armed forces

¨ young women, who live outside Luanda, who are at risk of abduction as sex slaves for soldiers.

Rejected asylum seekers should only be removed to Luanda. Only those with current connections there should be removed. It is not safe to seek to return elsewhere in Angola. Only those who have previously lived in Luanda or have close contacts there should be removed. No-one falling within either of the groups identified at paragraph 5 above should be removed. Rejected asylum seekers whose safety would be at risk if removed, should be granted exceptional leave to remain in accordance with instructions in the ADIs.