Angola: Excerpts from UN Report, 07/29/'95

UNITED NATIONS S/1995/588 17 July 1995

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS ANGOLA VERIFICATION MISSION (UNAVEM III)

II. POLITICAL ASPECTS

2. Despite significant delays, the Angolan peace process has made steady progress since the adoption of Security Council resolution 976 (1995). The general atmosphere of mistrust between the Government and the Uniao Nacional para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) is diminishing, particularly since the meeting in Lusaka on 6 May 1995 between the President of Angola, Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, and the President of UNITA, Mr. Jonas Savimbi. ...

6. Since the meeting between President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi in Lusaka, high-level contacts between members of the Government and UNITA have intensified. On 25 May, the Government delegation to the Joint Commission travelled to Bailundo, where the UNITA headquarters is currently located, to deliver a message to Mr. Savimbi from President dos Santos. In addition, President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi have been in regular contact by telephone. ...

7. On 16 June, the Central Committee of the ruling Movimento Popular para a Libertacao de Angola (MPLA) offered Mr. Savimbi one of two positions of Vice-President, with the other to be held by a senior member of MPLA. If such posts were to be created, the Constitution of Angola would have to be amended and the prerogatives of the two posts carefully defined.

8. In late June, a high-level UNITA delegation visited Luanda to review with the Government the practical modalities for accelerating the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. The review culminated in a comprehensive working document signed by the two parties and submitted to the Joint Commission. The document is currently being reviewed by UNAVEM and the three observer States for submission to the Joint Commission for adoption.

9. In order to review the progress made so far and to assess the situation on the ground, I visited Angola from 14 to 16 July. ...

III. MILITARY ASPECTS

A. Observance of the cease-fire

11. The deployment of United Nations military and police observers throughout the country since the adoption of resolution 976 (1995) and the gradual induction of formed units have contributed to improved respect for the cease-fire.

12. The same number of cease-fire violations were recorded in May and June (137 each). These violations were recorded in particular in northern parts of the provinces of Huila, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malange, Moxico and Zaire. All incidents have been investigated by UNAVEM, but the Mission has not so far reported a major breach of the peace. ...

B. Disengagement and demining

13. Progress continues to be slow in troop disengagement, demining and the establishment of quartering areas. Until recently, UNITA insisted that no further disengagement of troops should take place until the Government withdrew from the areas it had reoccupied in the provinces of Huambo and Uige. However, the two parties have now agreed to keep their troops in situ until UNITA troops move to quartering areas and government troops move to barracks. At the same time, substantial improvement has been registered in the establishment of triangular communications between the Angolan parties and UNAVEM III. ...

14. As I stressed in previous reports to the Council, the demining and rehabilitation of major routes is a vital task that will affect almost every aspect of the peace process (deployment of United Nations troops, free circulation of people, extension of the central administration, quartering of troops, etc.). After unfortunate delays, the Government and UNITA have begun essential demining activities throughout the country, with the cooperation of UNAVEM, the United Nations Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unit (UCAH) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While some mine- clearing equipment has been procured by the Government, a great deal more is needed. Notwithstanding recent efforts, the pace of mine clearance has remained slow. In the meantime, mines continue to be a major hazard for the Angolan population and UNAVEM and humanitarian personnel. ...

15. The timely establishment of quartering areas for the demobilization of UNITA troops, the withdrawal of the Angolan rapid reaction police and FAA troops to their barracks and strengthening of the logistic infrastructure for the unified national army will be of crucial importance for the success of the peace process. UNAVEM, together with UCAH and the humanitarian agencies concerned, has conducted a thorough reconnaissance of most of the designated areas. A strenuous effort is under way to establish at least 4 of the planned 14 such sites within the next few weeks in the strategically important Northern and Central regions. ...

C. Efforts by the parties towards implementation of the Lusaka Protocol

16. In a very promising development, high-level government and UNITA delegations met in Luanda from 19 June to 1 July to discuss several crucial issues concerning implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. The agenda of these intensive talks included the following issues: quartering of UNITA forces; return of FAA to barracks; incorporation of UNITA troops into the national armed forces; reopening of roads and free circulation of people and goods; disarmament of the civilian population; repatriation of mercenaries; clarification of the amnesty law; and preparations for further high-level meetings in Luanda. Decisions were reached on most of these questions and the parties approved a timetable to make up for the delays that have occurred so far. They agreed on almost all quartering locations and the sequence of the quartering process, on basic conditions for assembly areas, on the modalities of the FAA withdrawal to barracks and on the need to eliminate checkpoints and organize additional humanitarian road convoys to formerly inaccessible areas. However, certain aspects, e.g. the incorporation of UNITA troops with FAA, require further consideration, and the two delegations were to meet again in Luanda on 11 July.

UNAVEM deployment and strength

17. As of 4 July, in addition to the 6 regional headquarters, 337 military observers of UNAVEM have been deployed to 55 sites throughout Angola; deployment in five new sites will commence soon. The recent arrival of a helicopter unit will accelerate the establishment of new observation sites and has greatly increased the Mission's capability to deliver supplies and carry out medical evacuations. Deployment of United Nations formed units, whose total strength has reached 1,970 personnel, is generally proceeding in accordance with the adjusted time-frame set out in my previous report. Elements of the Uruguayan battalion and the Indian engineer squadron have reached Huambo overland and established their headquarters there; at least two more United Nations infantry battalions, from India and Zimbabwe, will be deployed to Angola in July and the one from Romania in mid-August. ... delays on the part of some troop contributors in deploying their troops to Angola continue to have adverse effects on this carefully planned operation.

IV. POLICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ASPECTS

19. The civilian police component (CIVPOL), which was authorized by Security Council resolution 976 (1995), has proved to be an indispensable element in UNAVEM's efforts to implement the Lusaka Protocol. As of 4 July, 209 civilian police observers from 19 countries had been deployed to 29 teamsites throughout Angola, including most provincial capitals. An additional 51 police observers are expected to be inducted by September, which would bring the strength of the component to the authorized level of 260 personnel. ... 20. CIVPOL continued to pursue actively its tasks as set out in my report of 1 February (S/1995/97) and in my most recent progress report (S/1995/458). It reports that the situation in most of the country is fairly calm and complaints about the conduct of the national police have been relatively few. However, despite the improving level of cooperation, the United Nations is often denied access to important information regarding the Angolan national police units, the strength and deployment of the rapid reaction police and the military equipment in its possession. ...

22. The Angolan parties have been registering complaints about human rights violations with my Special Representative and with the Joint Commission. In response to these complaints, and in accordance with the provisions of resolution 976 (1995), UNAVEM established a small sub-unit to deal with human rights issues and observe implementation of the relevant provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. Pending approval by the General Assembly of the full budget of UNAVEM III and the establishment of the necessary posts, five human rights specialists from Denmark, France and Portugal were temporarily placed at UNAVEM's disposal by the European Union. The work of these experts, who have been deployed to several regions, has proved very useful, and it is my intention to increase the strength of this unit by up to 11 personnel so that a human rights monitor can be stationed in almost all the 18 provinces of Angola. ...

V. HUMANITARIAN ASPECTS

23. Despite formidable difficulties, the humanitarian situation in Angola has continued to improve since February 1995, as a direct result of the peace process and the expanded presence of the United Nations in the country.

24. In addition to their psychological impact, the road convoys led by my Special Representative from Luanda to Lobito and from Uige to Negage have facilitated humanitarian activities by making new areas accessible by road and reducing the need for costly deliveries by air. Thus, for the first time since 1992, the World Food Programme (WFP) was able in June to dispatch road convoys from Lobito to Sumbe and from Lobito to Huambo and Kuito. ...

25. The Humanitarian Coordination Group, which is co-chaired by the Minister of Social Affairs and the UCAH Director and includes representatives of UNITA, United Nations agencies, the observer and donor countries, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and NGOs, meets in Luanda on a weekly basis. Its meeting on 14 June, the first to be held outside Luanda, was convened in Bailundo, with strong UNITA representation. This event marked an important step towards building confidence and facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance. Another significant development in humanitarian cooperation was the initiation of plans for the resettlement of some 40,000 displaced persons residing in Jamba, whom UNITA had requested the Angolan Government and the United Nations to help to return to their places of origin and reintegrate themselves into their communities.

26. Since the adoption of resolution 976 (1995) in February, the humanitarian programme has continued to expand. Recent assessment missions have found severe deficiencies in health services, clothing and basic food items in some regions. At the same time, progress has been made in launching joint humanitarian initiatives in areas currently under the control of both parties, in which government agencies, UNITA and the United Nations are now working together. ...

27. The demobilization and reintegration section of the United Nations humanitarian appeal for Angola, which was issued in January 1995, has been readjusted in view of recent agreements between the parties. The revised demobilization and reintegration programme will require funding amounting to US$ 92.9 million, of which US$ 48.1 million will be needed for the first and crucial phase (i.e., the quartering of UNITA soldiers) and US$ 44.8 million for subsequent phases.

28. Prior experience with demobilization in Angola and elsewhere indicates that a comprehensive strategy and the timely and coordinated provision of donor funding will be indispensable for the success of this exercise. Now that the requisite strategy for Angola has been elaborated, it is critical to secure the necessary funds, in addition to other resources that will be appropriated through UNAVEM III's budget.

VI. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS

29. The economic and social situation in Angola continues to be extremely precarious, owing mainly to the devastating effects of several decades of civil conflict. The following data reflect the enormous difficulties facing Angola during this period of transition: up to 70 per cent of the basic health system has been destroyed; only 18 per cent of the population has access to sanitation and 34 per cent to safe water; the infant mortality rate is 195 per 1,000; the food deficit in 1995 is expected to be approximately 360,000 tons; approximately 70,000 people have been mutilated by weapons and/or mines; 1.2 million internally displaced persons, 300,000 refugees in neighbouring countries and 3.2 million other people are in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. The debt/export ratio of the country has reached 365 per cent, and the estimated gross domestic product per capita has fallen to US$ 410, which represents half that of 1990. Military spending in 1994 was estimated to be 39 per cent of the State budget, while the inflation rate was 1,838 per cent in 1993 and 972 per cent in 1994. ...

32. On the strength of some positive developments in economic reform and in the peace process, the World Bank is developing plans to support Angola's reconstruction efforts. This enhanced support will include financing for emergency reconstruction and structural adjustment programmes, as well as a fund to support community-based initiatives for the rehabilitation of social infrastructure and income- generating activities. In addition, with the participation of United Nations agencies, a debt strategy for Angola is being prepared, as are programmes for the divestiture of public companies and streamlining of public services.

33. The Government of Angola, with support from UNDP and my Special Representative, has organized a round table for rehabilitation and community development, to be held in September 1995. The round- table programme, which will require up to US$ 620 million to implement, will also serve as the overall reference point for United Nations agencies. It contains detailed rehabilitation plans for all provinces with a focus on small-scale infrastructure projects capable of delivering direct and immediate benefits to millions of people. ...

VIII. OBSERVATIONS

...

38. Of the most pressing tasks that lie ahead, many have been highlighted in the adjusted implementation plan. At the same time, a comprehensive, fair and workable programme for the formation of the new armed forces should be adopted without further delay. ...

39. Humanitarian assistance plays an important role in consolidating the Angolan peace process, especially in the demobilization and reintegration exercise, which will rely largely on external resources to support the demobilized UNITA troops and their dependants. Although many donors have expressed interest, less than 1 per cent of the voluntary funds sought for this purpose under the 1995 humanitarian appeal has been contributed to date. Now that the promising events of the last two months have improved the prospects for an early start to quartering and demobilization, I very much hope that donors will respond with generous and timely financial contributions to the humanitarian effort. Equally, I appeal to Member States to provide much-needed mine clearance, bridging and road repair equipment and materials and other supplies necessary for setting up the quartering areas.

40. In these more encouraging circumstances, I recommend that the mandate of UNAVEM III be extended for a period of six months, that is until 8 February 1996. In order to keep the Security Council fully informed of developments, I intend to submit a comprehensive report every two months. ...

Note: the full text of this report can be found, via gopher or web, at:
Full Report

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Message-Id:199507291710.KAA28840@igc3.igc.apc.org
From: "APIC" apic@igc.apc.org
Date: Sat, 29 Jul 1995 13:04:48 +0000
Subject: Angola: Excerpts from UN Report

Editor: aadinar@sas.upenn.edu