At least 1000 years ago the territory of Angola has been populated with the people which spoke in languages to a bow, used for earth processing iron tools and did business the remote areas. Among the most developed African states existing at coast of modern Angola before arrival of Portugueses, there was a kingdom Congo and a number of the state educations mbundu. From the most outstanding Angola governors of that epoch it is possible to name the king of Congo Afonsu I and pravitelnitsu Matamby, the states mbundu, queen Nzingu. In 16 century king Afonsu has accepted Christianity, but its further cooperation with Portugueses was prevented by a slave-trade. Throughout several decades queen Nzinga headed struggle of the citizens against Portugueses. In areas more remote from coast, in territory of a southern part modern DRK and in areas adjoining to Angola, in 17–18 centuries the people lunda have created some the state educations.
The Portuguese penetration. In 1575 Portugueses have established the control over Luanda, and in 1617 – over Benguela. The slave-trade, the majority of slaves they was the basic employment of Portugueses sent to Brazil. Throughout all period of a slave-trade from Angola it has been taken out more slaves, than from any other area of the West African coast. The slave-trade peak has fallen to the beginning 19 century when were annually taken out apprx. 25 thousand slaves, all has been taken out apprx. 3 million persons.
The gain was stretched by Portugueses of territory of Angola for some centuries. In 1641 they have been compelled to concede to Dutches Luanda, but in 1648 have returned itself this territory. In 1836 slave-trade it has been officially forbidden. During an epoch of a slave-trade Portugueses supervised some ports with the earths adjoining to them. The Portuguese expansion to internal areas has begun in 19 century In first half of century this process developed slow rates, and only before the beginning of the First World War Portugueses have grasped territory of all Angola.
Epoch of colonial board. The Portuguese colonial mode differed 20 century special rigidity and ruthless operation of the African population. In Angola the racial hierarchy according to which the higher step in a society was occupied with the Portugueses who have born in Europe was strictly observed, then there were the Portugueses who were born in Angola, they were followed by descendants from mixed marriages – metises, then – the "assimilated" Africans, and the most lowest step the great bulk radical, or native occupied, the country population. The last were subject to forced labour, i.e. than half of days in a year should work on hiring not less, or work under the contract on the state plantations or other objects. After the termination of the Second World War from Portugal to Angola the new wave of immigrants has rushed. Domination of Portugueses in economy together with a racial discrimination stimulated growth of discontent of Africans. In 1926–1974 while at the power in Portugal were Salazar and its successor, it was forbidden to Angola patriots to create own political organisations.
National-liberation movement and independence gain. Inspired by an example of other countries of Africa which have achieved independence, the Angola population in 1961 has joined in struggle against the Portuguese colonialism. Have headed national-liberation movement three military-political groupings: MPLA, FNLA and UNITHAT. Existence simultaneously three emancipating fronts reflected interethnic contradictions, rivalry for leadership and deep ideological divergences.
Portugueses were full of determination at any cost to save the control over Angola and have responded to performances of insurgents by ruthless war. The new government of Portugal which has come to power in result of a military coup d'etat 1974, has made decision to stop war in a colony and to give it independence. Attempts to generate in Angola a transition government have come to grief. Armed conflicts between supporters MPLA and FNLA have soon begun. The success has appeared on party MPLA, and armed groups FNLA have been beaten out from Luanda. UNITHAT has joined in struggle on party FNLA, and in October 1975 for support of their incorporated forces on territory of Angola parts of army of the republic of South Africa have intruded. In November to Angola profits the Cuban armies for rendering assistance MPLA which was supported for a long time already of the USSR and other socialist countries. On November, 11th 1975 supervising Luanda MPLA was proclaimed by creation of National Republic Angola (NRA) led by Agostino neto. Fragile block FNLA and UNITHAT has responded to it creation of Democratic National Republic Angola with the centre in Huambo. In the beginning 1976 armed forces MPLA have crushed groups FNLA and have compelled the South African military formations to leave territory of Angola. By February 1976 army MPLA has beaten out UNITHAT from Huambo, and the Organization of the African unity has accepted National Republic Angola in the numbers. FNLA and UNITHAT continued to show resistance of the central power. Even it has been declared association of their armed formations, but to 1979 FNLA has practically stopped the existence. From now on struggle for the power went between MPLA and UNITHAT.
Cold war and the regional policy. On a course of civil war in Angola the big influence rendered opposition of the USA and the USSR in days of cold war and a situation in the south of Africa. In 1979 MPLA has proclaimed itself Marxist party and continued to be supported of the USSR and Cuba. As a result of acceptance in Clark's 1976 amendments of the USA, acting before on party FNLA and UNITHAT, further have been deprived possibility to render by it all-round aid. The republic of South Africa has interfered with civil war in Angola. The policy of the republic of South Africa in Angola was defined by two factors: necessity to resist to distribution of communistic influence to region and to save the control over territory of Namibia, from the south adjoining on Angola. With 1978 in frameworks of a policy of "total strategy» armed forces of the republic of South Africa, pursuing the guerrilla of the National organisation of South West Africa (SVAPO), battling for freedom of Namibia, periodically interfered on territory of Angola. Such military operations co-ordinated with support by the South African government UNITHAT and with strategy of Pretoria on destabilization of the neighbours in region on purpose to prevent them to assist the fighters combating against a mode aparteida. After the conclusion in 1984 in Lusaka agreements between Angola, the republic of South Africa and the USA have appeared signs of change of a policy of Pretoria concerning NRA. The agreement provided a conclusion of the South African parts from Angola in exchange for refusal of Luanda to give base to guerrillas SVAPO in the territory. Besides, lusakskie arrangements co-ordinated with steps of the republic of South Africa on declaration of independence of Namibia according to the resolution № 435 Security councils of the United Nations from September, 29th 1978. Though in April 1985 republics of South Africa has officially declared a conclusion of the armies from territory of Angola, after a month the division of the South African army which tried to make diversion on one of oil deposits of Cabinda has been taken prisoner. Soon the republic of South Africa has renewed spot-checks of the armies to Angola which proceeded up to the conclusion in 1988 agreements on declaration of independence of Namibia to 1990.
In 1985 administration of the US president of R.Reagan within the limits of offensive strategy in relation to communistic modes has achieved cancellation of the amendment of Clark. Thus obstacles for renewal of the American economic and military help UNITHAT have been eliminated.
On a way to settlement. In 1987–1988 military actions in Angola became more intensive. Escalation of an armed intervention of the republic of South Africa has led to direct fighting collisions between the South African and Cuban armies. Throughout 1987 – the beginnings 1988 repeatedly were undertaken unsuccessful attempts to find the political decision for situation normalisation in Angola and declarations of independence of Namibia. The situation has sharply changed in 1988 when incorporated angolo-Cuban forces have inflicted shattering defeat over parts of the republic of South Africa. In many respects this success has been predetermined by effective application by Cubans and Angolans of rocket systems «the earth – air» the Soviet manufacture that has put an end to the superiority of South Africans in air. Having received repulse, in May 1988 representatives of the republic of South Africa have sat down for a negotiating table with Angola and Cuba which passed at intermediary of the USA. By results of negotiations with participation of all main characters of the conflict in December 1988 the agreement on an order and terms of declaration of independence of Namibia which provided a conclusion of the Cuban armies from Angola, the help termination UNITHAT republic of South Africa and departure from Angola members of the African national congress has been reached. According to this agreement the Security council of the United Nations has made the decision on creation of mission of the United Nations on check of performance of conditions of the agreement in Angola (under the control over a conclusion of the Cuban armies from Angola) – JUNAVEM. Generated of 60 military observers from 10 countries with a term of appointment for 31 month the commission has started to work in January 1989.
However the accepted agreement has not affected a course of internal political struggle in the Angola. After achievement of agreement 1988 the management UNITHAT has addressed to the government with the offer on cease-fire, but MPLA has refused, having offered amnesty to members UNITHAT. UNITHAT has confirmed again the purpose – to achieve the agreement with the authorities about creation in the country of multi-party democracy, and to the offer on amnesty has responded new approach against the governmental armies. However this time fights lasted not for long, and representatives of both parties have met in June in territory of Zaire (sovr. DRK) also have agreed about cease-fire since June, 23rd. A week later both parties have acted with mutual recriminations in infringement of conditions of recent arrangements, and in August the leader UNITHAT Savimbi declared renewal of operations. The management UNITHAT boycotted a meeting of leaders of eight African states on which the agreement reached in Zaire has been reconsidered. UNITHAT has brought a number of own counteroffers to this agreement, and after a meeting with US president George Bush Savimbi has declared the readiness to sit down for a negotiating table with the government. Nevertheless military actions proceeded, and even there was a situation when after an attack the guerrilla UNITHAT on the Cuban military unit Cuba has suspended a withdrawal of troops from Angola. At last, in 1990 both parties have agreed to go on considerable concessions. UNITHAT declared the readiness to following elections to recognise to Zhoze Edward shower Santusha as the head of the state and MPLA – as provisional government. Central Committee MPLA has agreed with necessity of introduction for the country of multi-party political system, declared a withdrawal from Marxist-Leninist ideology, introduction of market economy, legalisation of political parties, revision of the constitution and carrying out in 1994 elections on a multi-party basis.
In April 1990 at intermediary of the government of Portugal and with the assistance of observers of the USSR and the USA new round of negotiations which has come to the end with signing on May, 31st 1991 in Lisbon of a package of agreements on a peaceful settlement has begun. Cease-fire, working out of the plan of formation of national armed forces of the country from equal number of military men MPLA and UNITHAT and carrying out of democratic elections in the end of 1992 were provided.
Elections 1992 and renewal of military actions. The period of preparation to presidential and to parliamentary elections was characterised by intensity and periodic armed conflicts which threatened with infringement of the fragile world. The problem of demobilisation of armies MPLA and UNITHAT and creation of new armed forces of Angola has appeared the most difficult. In September 1992 it has been officially declared creation of new national army, however the delay with demobilisation has led to that in its numbers instead of planned 50 thousand has appeared all 10 thousand soldiers. Because of bad conditions and salary nonpayment many parts of army MPLA have autocratically left disposition places. UNITHAT did not hurry up with dissolution of the armies and continued to save considerable armed forces to be in full readiness in case of renewal of operations. Besides, the antigovernmental opposition was against formation of special police forces occurred on the basis of special divisions MPLA.
Despite all difficulties, on September, 29-30th 1992 in the country there have passed the planned elections. Struggle was developed between 12 applicants for a presidential post and for 220 places in National assembly. Activity of voters was high, and the international observers have declared, that elections were fair. Judging by preliminary results, MPLA has won the majority of places in parliament. However the leader UNITHAT Dzhonas Savimbi has refused to recognise results of voting, having declared about jugglings. He has demanded, that official results were not promulgated until all points of its charge will be investigated. According to the official results of elections published on October, 17th, shower Santush has received 49,5 % of voices, i.e. it did not have not enough only 0,5 % of voices to avoid the second round of elections where it was necessary to it pomerjatsja forces with the nearest contender Savimbi, 40 % which have got support of voters. MPLA has won 129 of 220 places in National assembly, UNITHAT was possible to spend 70 candidates. Other deputy mandates have got to applicants from small parties.
On the eve of promulgation of official results of elections the former soldiers UNITHAT left structure of Armed forces of Angola, in streets of Luanda and in a number of provinces fierce collisions between supporters UNITHAT and police were developed. The antigovernmental opposition has undertaken new approach, and the country has plunged again into chaos of civil war. Operations were developed in all territory of Angola, and many of the demobilised soldiers UNITHAT again have taken up arms.
Continuation of efforts on a peaceful settlement. After discussion of the developed situation with representatives of the United Nations in November 1992 Savimbi has declared, that though results of elections are garbled, he is ready to agree with them. The leader UNITHAT has expressed readiness to take part in the second round of the presidential elections planned on the end 1992 or beginning 1993. Contrary to the former promise the management UNITHAT has not taken part in a meeting of representatives of political parties of Angola called at the initiative of the government in November 1992. Deputies from UNITHAT have refused to participate in solemn ceremony of the beginning of job of National assembly, having given reason for the actions by that to presidential elections its activity is illegal. On personal meeting in the end of November of souls Santush and Savimbi have acted with the joint statement in which their adherence to peace agreements 1991 was underlined, readiness to stop the armed opposition and the consent to stay in Angola representatives of the United Nations. It has not prevented armed forces to undertake UNITHAT approach in the north of Angola, and, under some messages, by the end of November they have established the control almost over two thirds of country. After the governmental armies have passed in counterattack, war has inflamed with new force.
The governmental armies were possible manage supporters UNITHAT from large cities; both parties had the big losses. Especially fierce battle was developed for Huambo, the city of Angola second for a population and a stronghold of the armed opposition.
Throughout 1993 against proceeding war efforts on searches of the peace decision did not weaken. In July of the United Nations for two months has prolonged powers of the mission on agreement check in Angola (JUNAVEM II) and has called belligerent parties for cease-fire by September, 15th. UNITHAT has officially declared unilateral cease-fire since September, 20th, but, despite all assurances of the readiness for an armistice, its groups continued to carry out operations. As the basic fault for continuation of military actions laid on UNITHAT, in September 1993 Security council of the United Nations has made the decision on introduction of the sanctions forbidding delivery to it of mineral oil and the weapon. In case of continuation UNITHAT military actions introduction of some other sanctions was provided. Over UNITHAT threat of loss of the most valuable allies has hung. The USA have declared intention officially to recognise the government of souls Santusha, relations between Luanda and Pretoria were adjusted.
In the end of 1993 in capital of Zambia to Lusaka negotiations on the war termination have renewed. In February 1994 both parties have reached agreements concerning main principles of national reconciliation. Mandate JUNAVEM II has been prolonged till the end of May 1994. Negotiations on performance of main principles of an armistice proceeded throughout almost only 1994, and, at last, on November, 15th in Lusaka the definitive agreement has been reached. Arrangements provided an immediate establishment of an armistice, and since November, 22nd – the full termination of military actions. However after a target date armed conflicts proceeded, and both parties accused each other of infringement of the agreement on cease-fire. In December the United Nations Security council has prolonged mandate JUNAVEM II till February 1995 then, in case of observance of the agreement on cease-fire, to Angola there should arrive new mission, JUNAVEM III. Aspiring to stop bloodshed, representatives of command of both parties have agreed at a meeting about the immediate termination of military actions, divorce of armies, clearing of prisoners of war and creation of conditions for free advancement of people and transportation of cargoes. Nevertheless war proceeded. In February 1995 it has been generated JUNAVEM III with a term of appointment till August of the same year. The mission structure included peace-making armies number of 7 thousand persons, 350 military observers, 260 police observers and group of civilians of 350 persons. Expansion of staff of mission was dated for the termination in Angola military actions. On personal meeting of souls Santusha and Savimbi in May 1995 head UNITHAT officially recognised shower Santusha as the lawful president of the country, both politicians have declared the adherence to the Lusaksky agreement and on readiness to co-operate in business of restoration of the country. In June 1995 management MPLA has initiated entering of amendments into the constitution, posts of two vice-presidents providing creation. One of them has been offered Savimbi provided that it will spend demobilisation of groups UNITHAT. Slow development of this process has led to that in June 1996 president of souls Santush has appointed the new government, the prime minister in which was the speaker of National assembly to Fernando France Van Dunen. Any representative has not been switched on In the new government though it has been declared, that as soon as the opposition will carry out of the obligations following from the Lusaksky agreement, the certain number of ministerial portfolioes will be given it.
After three unsuccessful attempts in April 1997 the Government of unity and national reconciliation has been generated. Savimbi which under the arrangement has headed opposition, was not present on inauguration of the new cabinet. Absence of the leader UNITHAT has insinuated successful development of peace process which have even more amplified when some politicians from a management UNITHAT have refused to be a part of the government having declared that prefer to be in opposition. Now the president, the head of the state and a supreme commander in chief is ZHoze Eduardo shower Santush, the prime minister – to Fernando France Van Dunen. The party structure of National assembly reflects results of parliamentary elections 1992 when candidates MPLA have won 129 deputy mandates, THEY be 70, and the others have got to representatives of small parties, and three deputy places was are reserved for the Angolans living outside of the country.
Strengthening of internal political intensity was promoted also by succession of events outside of Angola. The government and UNITHAT was supported by the different parties in a confrontation which has ended with a military coup d'etat, overthrow of the president of Zaire Mobutu Sese Seko and returning to the country of the former name – Democratic Republic Congo. The government has concentrated armies in frontier with areas DRK for rendering assistance to insurgents whereas UNITHAT supported armed forces Mobutu. Position Savimbi and its environments was defined by that in days of civil war in Angola official Kinshasa invariably supported UNITHAT. After discharge Mobutu from the power UNITHAT has faced a problem of loss of bases in territory DRK and a corridor through which the antigovernmental opposition took out to infringement of sanctions of the United Nations from Angola diamonds.
Though on conditions of the Lusaksky agreement UNITHAT should dismiss army, it continued to save a considerable military contingent in battle readiness. In the end of June – the beginning of July soldiers UNITHAT made attacks on the governmental armies. In July the United Nations Security council has expressed deep concern in aspiration of a management UNITHAT to save the armed forces and has called rebels by August, 15th 1997 to present the full report on a situation to its armies, and also to disarm soldiers and to place them in places of a usual disposition. In reply to United Nations appeal to enter against UNITHAT sanctions a management of last has declared readiness to fulfil the United Nations requirement. However instead UNITHAT continued to increase the armed forces. In February 1998 has expired term to which UNITHAT has been obliged to carry out of all obligations but so anything and has not made in this direction.
The government of Angola lost patience because of unwillingness UNITHAT more and more to disarm the fighting parts. It meant, that UNITHAT is not going to to carry out of obligations which followed from the Lusaksky agreement. In a situation when UNITHAT continued to keep under a gun of 25 thousand soldiers, intensity in the country did not fall down.
The armed struggle in next DRK between rebels and president Loranom Kabiloj promoted a conflict aggravation in Angola. The governmental armies have been directed in DRK for support of president Kabily in its struggle against the armed opposition. Government MPLA aspired to strengthen communications with the head of the next state and consequently interfered with penetration of fighting groups UNITHAT on territory DRK. The management UNITHAT has declared, that it too has the interests in the conflict in DRK. UNITHAT intended to save in territory DRK the military bases. As the part of official Angola army performed military operations in territory DRK, UNITHAT has decided to use this situation and to continue the armed struggle against government MPLA. One more blow on peace negotiating process in Angola was put by destruction in June 1998 in air crash Aljune Blondena Beje which long time was the special representative of the United Nations in this country.
In August 1998 government has deduced representatives UNITHAT from the cabinet and has suspended powers of deputies UNITHAT in National assembly. The political situation has even more got confused after split in numbers UNITHAT and an immediate recognition the government of the new grouping allocated from its structure as the partner in negotiations. The broken away grouping which has received the name UNITHOSE-UPDATINGS, Zhorzhi Valentim, a member UNITHAT and the minister of tourism and hotel business in the government of unity and national reconciliation head Euzhenju Manuvakola which from a name UNITHAT signed the Lusaksky agreement, and. Soon UNITHAT has again broken up: its parliamentary deputies have selected Abel Chivukuvuku the leader of 1998 groupings which have arisen in November Democratic consciousness – a platform for revival and mutual understanding. This new grouping separated from recently generated fraction UNITHAT-RIVER The government has interrupted contacts to grouping Savimbi, recognised as the partner in negotiating process fraction UNITHAT-R and has entered into the structure бoльшую a part of ministers representing UNITHAT and vice-ministers who have been deduced from the government in August. Savimbi has refused to co-operate with the USA, Portugal and Russia which carry out the control over peace process in Angola and have the status of observers in the Incorporated commission consisting of representatives of the government and UNITHOSE under presidency of the special representative of the United Nations. The government of Angola has threatened to interrupt all contacts to recently appointed special representative of United Nations Issa Diallo (replaced on this post Aljune Blondena Beje) if it meets with Savimbi.
Peace process failure. In the last quarter 1998 internal political situation in Angola has changed to the worst. In the beginning of September UNITHAT army occupied again about third of territory from which it has disengaged armies during an armistice. Fights between the governmental armies and armed forces Savimbi became more and more hardened, and gradually epicentre of operations was displaced in the central areas. Despite disorders reigning in the country, the United Nations has prolonged till February 1999 mandate of the Observant mission in Angola (MONUA). However after in December 1998 and January 1999 two planes of mission have been brought down, the United Nations have begun evacuation of the personnel from the central areas of Angola. Now the United Nations Security council reconsiders the role in this country. Meanwhile anybody does not call doubts, that peace process in Angola has come to grief, and the country slips to full-scale war.
Other serious threat is separative movement in the province rich with oil Cabinda separated from Angola by a narrow strip of territory DRK. In 1963 the Front of clearing of Cabinda (FLEK) has been created. In 1975 this organisation has broken up into three fractions, there was its further crushing later. All these groupings conducted sporadic military actions against the central government. In 1996 between the government and one of groupings FLEK the agreement on cease-fire has been reached. It was supposed, that other fractions FLEK will join this arrangement also, but a month later in this area military actions have renewed, and the leader of one of fractions Enriki N'Zita Tiago has declared, that the agreement on cease-fire will not come into force before leaving of the governmental armies from territory of Cabinda. Change of conditions in next DRK obviously promoted strengthening of positions of separatists and their communications with UNITHAT.
