Provisions in this Accord
Arms Embargo
1991
The Bicesse Accord prohibited the United States, the USSR, and all other countries from supplying lethal material to all parties in the Angolan conflict. After the agreement was signed in 1991, there have been zero reports of either party acquiring additional arms.
1992
Throughout most of 1992, neither party imported lethal material. However, reports suggest that Brazil sold weapons to the government of Angola in December 1992, following the resumption of hostilities after the general election.1
1 Angola: Arms Trade and Violations of the Laws of War since the 1992 Elections, Human Rights Watch Arms Project, November 1994.
Cease Fire
1991
The Bicesse Accord stipulated a cease-fire between the Angolan government and UNITA rebels, prohibiting hostile propaganda, all armed air, land, or sea attacks, sabotage, and all offensive movement of troops.
The government and UNITA leadership formally accepted the cease-fire beginning on May 15 at midnight.1 However, occasional allegations of cease-fire violations occurred throughout 1991. For example, from May 14-15, the government alleged that UNITA troops continued offensive movement in Bengo Province, Piri, and Qipaxe.2 On August 18, Angolan forces and UNITA rebels clashed briefly in Negola.3 In August, UNITA reported that the Angolan government was importing lethal materials.4 In November, UNITA accused the government of transporting weapons.5 However, no official battle-related deaths were reported in 1991 after the parties signed the agreement.6 UN monitors reported no serious cease-fire violations in 1991.7
1 “Angolan cease-fire date reportedly accepted by government and UNITA,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, May 17, 1991.
2 “Angolan government says UNITA violating cease-fire accord,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 26, 1991.
3 “Angola MPLA troops reportedly take UNITA-controlled location,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 23, 1991.
4 “Angola government official denies war materiel received,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 29, 1991.
5 “UNITA accuses Angolan government of transferring arms,” Xinhua General News Service, November 21, 1991.
6 “UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia,” Uppsala Conflict Data Program – Uppsala University Department of Peace and Conflict Research.
7 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
1992
In early 1992, the cease-fire was largely respected by both parties, although there was the occasional allegation of cease-fire violation. For example, in January, the government accused rebels in Bengo Province of offensive movement.1 In April, Angola alleged UNITA movement along the Namibian border,2 and of assembling a secret army.3 In May, UNITA reported that the government was conducting military operations.4 The UN Secretary-General reported that the security situation began to deteriorate throughout July and August, with violent confrontations erupting in Malange, Huambo, Saurimo, Benguela, and Bié.5
Large-scale violence erupted in Angola following the election results. Confirmed offensive movement by UNITA began shortly after the official announcement of election results on October 17.6 On October 24, reports indicated that UNITA had deployed 7,000 troops in Luanda.7 By the end of October, hostilities had resumed in Luanda, Huambo, and Lobito.8 In October, 1,213 battle-related deaths occurred in Luanda.9 The UN brokered a cease-fire between the government and UNITA on November 1, which came into effect on November 2.10 The cease-fire was short-lived, and hostilities continued throughout November and December, although fighting declined significantly after November 3.11 Meanwhile, UNITA continued offensive movement through the end of the year.12 The UN Secretary-General reported that by November 23, 1992, 57 of Angola’s 164 municipalities were under UNITA control.13 By December, media sources reported that UNITA troops occupied approximately 75% of Angolan territory.14 UCDP reports that at least 2,321 battle-related fatalities occurred in 1992.15
1 “UNITA re-occupy three district capitals,” Xinhua General News Service, January 8, 1992.
2 “Angolan diplomat says UNITA moving troops along Namibian border,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, April 13, 1992.
3 Angolan government reportedly accuses UNITA of assembling secret army,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, April 22, 1992.
4 “Angola UNITA radio reports alleged MPLA arms caches and military operations,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, May 15, 1992.
5 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
6 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
7 “Angola attempt to control military situation; UNITA reportedly surrounds Luanda,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, October 26, 1992.
8 “Angola UNITA captures part of Huambo; surrounds Lobito; attacks Luanda airport,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, October 31, 1992.
9 “UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia,” Uppsala Conflict Data Program – Uppsala University Department of Peace and Conflict Research.
10 “U.N. brokers cease-fire in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, November 1, 1992.
11 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
12 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, January 21, 1993.
13 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
14 “UNITA joins new government, parliament, national army,” Xinhua General News Service, December 10, 1992.
15 “UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia,” Uppsala Conflict Data Program – Uppsala University Department of Peace and Conflict Research.
Demobilization
1991
The Bicesse Accord stipulated the demobilization of all UNITA forces not incorporated into the Angolan armed forces. UNITA troops were scheduled to be encamped, disarmed, and finally discharged from the UNITA army or integrated into the Angolan military. The encampment process began in 1991 with the establishment of the Commission for the Formation of the Armed Forces (CCFA), which oversaw the formation of barracks to hold troops in preparation for disarmament and demobilization. The functional regulations for the Commission were formally approved on June 27,1 and the CCFA then began inspecting barracks in preparation for troop assembly.2 The UN Secretary-General reported that as of October 22, 1991, only 95,634 troops (less than 60% of total forces) were contained.3 By this date, 68,666 of the government’s total 115,640 forces had assembled, and 26,968 of UNITA’s total 49,800 forces had assembled.4 No official discharge occurred in 1991.5
1 “Angola’s CCPM approves functional regulations,” Xinhua General News Service, June 27, 1991.
2 “Angola joint commission meets to discuss control measures,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 8, 1991.
3 “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
4 “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
5 “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
1992
The encampment process continued in 1992. On January 3, reports suggested that the Angolan government and UNITA rebels had completed the confinement process in Moxico province.1 The UN Secretary-General reported that by February 26, 1992, 93% of UNITA troops had been effectively assembled.2 However, by August 1, 1992, only 37% of government troops and 85% of UNITA troops had been confined.3
Although all forces had not been encamped, the demobilization process of assembled troops began in 1992. The official demobilization of government and UNITA troops began on March 31, 1992,4 and ceremonies on April 1 officially demobilized 3,000 troops from two assembly points in the Moxico Province.5 UNITA demobilized 414 soldiers in Uige Province on July 17, 1992.6 However, the demobilization process progressed slowly, and the UN reported that by September 2, 1992, only 61,994 troops, or 41% of both government and UNITA armies, had been demobilized.7 Of the demobilized troops, 54,737, or 45%, were government forces, while 7,257, or 24%, were rebel forces.8 The UN Secretary-General reported that demobilization accelerated as the September 29 election approached.9 On September 28, the government and UNITA leadership formally disbanded all troops not integrated into the Angolan Armed Forces.10 By October 7, 1992, 96,620 government troops were effectively demobilized, representing approximately 80% of total government forces.11 By contrast, UNAVEM reported that a much lower proportion of UNITA troops had been effectively demobilized, and those that had completed the demobilization procedure became re-mobilized after the election.12
1 “Government, UNITA troop encampment completed in eastern Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, January 3, 1992.
2 “Further Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, March 3, 1992.
3 “Angola Unravels: The Rise and Fall of the Lusaka Peace Process, Human Rights Watch, nd.
4 “Angola starts experimental demobilization,” Xinhua General News Service, March 31, 1991.
5 “Angola government and UNITA representatives to CCPM comment on demobilization,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, April 2, 1992.
6 “Angola UNITA reportedly demobilizes 414 soldiers in Uige Province,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 20, 1992.
7 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
8 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
9 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
10 “Angola disbands rival troops just before general elections,” Xinhua General News Service, September 28, 1992.
11 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
12 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
Disarmament
1991
The Bicesse Accord stipulated the collection of armaments and munitions after troops moved into assembly areas. The encampment process began in 1991 with the establishment of the Commission for the Formation of the Armed Forces (CCFA), which oversaw the formation of barracks to hold troops in preparation for disarmament and demobilization. The functional regulations for the Commission were formally approved on June 27,[1] and the CCFA began inspecting barracks in preparation for troop assembly.[2] The UN Secretary-General reported that as of October 22, 1991, only 95,634 troops (less than 60% of total forces) had been contained.[3] By this date, 68,666 of the government’s total 115,640 troops had assembled, and 26,968 of UNITA’s total 49,800 forces had assembled.[4] Weapons collected from contained troops were stored at assembly sites.[5]
[1] “Angola’s CCPM approves functional regulations,” Xinhua General News Service, June 27, 1991.
[2] “Angola joint commission meets to discuss control measures,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 8, 1991.
[3] “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
[4] “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
[5] “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
1992
The UN Secretary-General reported that as of September 2, 1992, the majority of weapons were stored at assembly areas or other locations. [1] However, the report also noted that many weapons remained in private hands,[2] and UNITA and government forces continued to hold significant stockpiles of weapons throughout 1992.[3]
[1] “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
[2] “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
[3] “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
Electoral/Political Party Reform
1991
The Bicesse Accords called for UNITA to formally register as a political party. UNITA did not register as a political party in 1991.
1992
The Bicesse Accords called for general elections to be held from September 1-November 30, 1992. The President of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, announced on April 2 that general elections would take place on September 29 and 30.1 UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi formally accepted this timeline on April 5, 1992.2 The date was formalized through a presidential decree issued on July 17.3 On April 16, 1992, the Supreme Court of Angola formally granted legal status to UNITA.4 The general elections for presidential and parliamentary representatives began, as scheduled, on September 29, 1992,5 and continued on September 30.6 Since no presidential candidate earned a simple majority of votes, Electoral Law required a run-off election within 30 days of the election results announcement.7 However, no run-off election occurred in 1992, as widespread violence resumed in October following the first round of election results. On December 10, UNITA agreed to join the parliament and cabinet in accordance with the election results.8
1 “Angola sets general election data,” Xinhua General News Service, April 2, 1992.
2 “UNITA accepts Angola’s general election timetable,” Xinhua General News Service, April 5, 1992.
3 “Angola formalizes date for elections,” Xinhua General News Service, July 17, 1992.
4 “Opposition parties granted legal status in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, April 16, 1992.
5 “General elections kick off in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, September 29, 1992.
6 “Angola’s first ever multiparty elections enters second day,” United Press International, September 30, 1992.
7 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
8 “UNITA joins new government, parliament, national army,” Xinhua General News Service, December 10, 1992.
9 “Angola command for new integrated army takes up its duties,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, January 13, 1992.
Military Reform
1992
The Senior High Commander of the Angolan Armed Forces—a position appointed in November 1991 and jointly held by Ahilio Camalata Numa (former commander of the UNITA army’s Northern Front) and Joao de Matos (former government army commander)—officially assumed duties on January 10, 1992.[1] The UN Secretary-General reported that the first phase of training the Angolan Armed Forces was completed in February 1992.[2] Other sources reported that the first training course for officers in the Angolan Armed Forces launched on April 22, training a total of 500 men, including 250 former government forces and 250 former UNITA forces.[3] On July 10, the first training course for air and navy instructors of the Angolan Armed Forces began operations and was attended by 140 former government officers and 40 former UNITA officers.[4] The UN Secretary-General reported that as of September 2, only 19% of the Angolan Armed Forces had been formed.[5]
On September 27, both UNITA and the Angolan government formally dissolved their armies and established the Angolan Armed Forces, resulting in the termination of the CCFA.[6] Upon creation, the Supreme Command of the Angolan Armed Forces was replaced by a General Staff comprised of senior officers from both the government and UNITA forces, including General Antonio dos Santos Franca Ndalu (government) and General Arlindo Isaac Chenda Pena Ben-Ben (UNITA).[7] On September 27, support units for the formation of the Angolan Armed Forces, verification of military disbandment, and logistics/infrastructure were also announced, and positions were officially filled on September 28.[8] Nonetheless, the demobilization of troops and formation of the Angolan Armed Forces remained incomplete.[9] UNITA withdrew from the Angolan Armed Forces on October 5, 1992, in protest of what the organization perceived as fraudulent elections.[10]
[1] “Angola command for new integrated army takes up its duties,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, January 13, 1992.
[2] “Further Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, March 3, 1992.
[3] “Angola training course for single national army begins in Benguela,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, April 25, 1992.
[4] “Angola starts to train air and navy instructors,” Xinhua General News Service, July 10, 1992.
[5] “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
[6] “Government and UNITA armies formally disbanded,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 29, 1992.
[7] “Government and UNITA armies formally disbanded,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 29, 1992.
[8] “Government and UNITA armies formally disbanded,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 29, 1992.
[9] “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
[10] “UNITA announces withdrawal from integrated army,” Xinhua General News Service, October 6, 1992.
1991
The Bicesse Accords stipulated the formation of a national army, the Angolan Armed Forces. The establishment of the armed forces was set to occur in five phases: 1) appointment of the CCFA; 2) appointment of the Angolan Armed Forces High Command; 3) appointment of the subunit commanders; 4) appointment of the regional and brigade commanders; and 5) appointment of the branch commanders. The Angolan Armed Forces would be formed partly from demobilized UNITA combatants.
The functional regulations for the Commission for the Formation of the Armed Forces were formally approved on June 27.1 On November 14, 1991, Ahilio Camalata Numa (former commander of the UNITA army’s Northern Front) and Joao de Matos (former government army commander) were jointly appointed Supreme Commander of the Angolan Armed Forces.2
1 “Angola’s CCPM approves functional regulations,” Xinhua General News Service, June 27, 1991.
2 “Angola former government and UNITA commanders sworn in as Supreme Command,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, November 16, 1991.
Police Reform
1991
The Bicesse Accords stipulated that the government fill vacancies in the police force with UNITA personnel. No developments have been observed in this year.
1992
The Bicesse Accords stipulated that the government fill vacancies in the police force with UNITA personnel. The process of integrating UNITA personnel into the Angolan police force was initiated in 1992, with the Martires de Capolo Academy issuing admissions tests to UNITA candidates.1 Although UNITA proposed a total of 145 candidates as of August 1992, only 39 had been accepted.2 The government reported that many candidates could not be enrolled because they could not pass the admission tests.3 The UN Secretary-General reported that by election day (September 29), 642 UNITA personnel had been trained and incorporated into the national police force.4 However, following the results of the election, most UNITA personnel withdrew from the police force.5
1 “Joint commission discusses POWs, UNITA integration into police force,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 6, 1992.
2 “Joint commission discusses POWs, UNITA integration into police force,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 6, 1992.
3 “Joint commission discusses POWs, UNITA integration into police force,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 6, 1992.
4 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
5 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
Prisoner Release
1991
The Bicesse Accord stipulated the release of all civilian and military prisoners detained during the civil war, subject to verification by the Red Cross. The Politico-Military Joint Commission (CCPM) set a deadline of July 31 for the release of all prisoners by both the government and UNITA.1 Initially, an estimated 1,564 prisoners were set to be released, comprised of 1,192 UNITA prisoners detained by the government and 372 government prisoners detained by UNITA.2 On July 13, the Red Cross began visiting prisoners of war to collect testimony and gather information to facilitate POW resettlement.3 On July 20, the Angolan government released 107 prisoners,4 and released another 50 prisoners on July 50.5 Although UNITA was scheduled to release prisoners on July 21, the rebels postponed the release, citing technical difficulties.6 On August 10, the Angolan government released 80 prisoners, and UNITA released 44 prisoners.7 UNITA released another 130 prisoners on August 25.8 On October 22, the Angolan government released an additional 17 prisoners of war.9 On October 23, reports indicated that UNITA had officially released its last government detainees from the civil war.10 However, on November 20, UNITA released an additional 182 political prisoners.11 On December 20, UNITA announced that all government prisoners had been released, freeing the final 132 detainees.12 Since the signing of the peace agreement, UNITA has released a total of 532 prisoners.13 However, by the end of 1991, both the government and rebels continued to accuse each other of holding prisoners.14
1 “War captives in Angola to be set free before end of July,” Xinhua General News Service, July 3, 1991.
2 “Angola UNITA postpones prisoner release after first group freed,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 23, 1991.
3 “Red Cross delegation visits POWs in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, July 15, 2991.
4 “Angola UNITA postpones prisoner release after first group freed,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 23, 1991.
5 “Angola government releases prisoners under amnesty law,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 30, 1991.
6 “Angola UNITA postpones prisoner release after first group freed,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 23, 1991.
7 “Angolan government and UNITA release prisoners,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 13, 1991.
8 “Angola UNITA releases 130 POWs; 77 choose to stay in Jamba,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 27, 1991.
9 “Angola government releases POWs,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, October 22, 1991.
10 “UNITA completes POWs release,” Xinhua General News Service, October 23, 1991.
11 “UNITA releases 182 more POWs,” Xinhua General News Service, November 20, 1991.
12 “UNITA claims to have released all POWs,” Xinhua General News Service, December 22, 1991.
13 “UNITA claims to have released all POWs,” Xinhua General News Service, December 22, 1991.
14 “UNITA official disputes MPLA claims on UNITA troop confinement and POW releases,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, December 31, 1991.
1992
Reports in March 1992 indicated that by the end of February 1992, the government had released a total of 904 rebel prisoners, and UNITA had released a total of 3,043 prisoners. 1 The UN Secretary-General reported that the ICRC confirmed that the first phase of prisoner release was completed in April 1992.2 However, throughout 1992, both parties alleged that the other continued to hold political prisoners. In August, the Angolan government issued a list of 4,649 prisoners they believed remained under UNITA detention.3 UNITA alleged that the government continued to hold at least 400,4 and possibly thousands, of prisoners.5
1 “Further Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, March 3, 1992.
2 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
3 Joint commission discusses POWs, UNITA integration into police force,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 6, 1992.
4 “Angola UNITA radio says government still holds UNITA prisoners of war,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, August 11, 1992.
5 “Angola UNITA claims government has freed only 504 of 30,000 POWs,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, January 20, 1992.
Verification/Monitoring Mechanism
1991
The Bicesse Accords called for the formation of the Joint Political-Military Commission (CCPM) and the subordinate Joint Verification and Monitoring Commission (CMVF), both to be composed of representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of Angola and UNITA, as members, and of representatives of Portugal, the United States of America, and the USSR, as observers. The Bicesse Accords tasked the CCPM with verifying compliance with the implementation by both parties with all provisions of the agreement. The Bicesse Accords charged the CMVF with establishing monitoring groups and verifying the operation of the monitoring groups. The CCPM held its first meeting on June 17, 1991,1 and continued to hold meetings throughout 1991. The CCPM established and approved its functional regulations at its third meeting on June 27.2 The functional regulations for the CMVF were approved on June 27.3 However, on September 11, UNITA withdrew from the CCPM, citing government noncompliance with the terms of the agreement,4 but resumed participation on September 17.5 While some regional monitoring groups were established, many remained highly disorganized, fragmented, and ineffective in 1991.6 Others, such as the joint police monitoring groups, were not formed in 1991.7
The Bicesse Accords also called for UN representatives to monitor the agreement’s implementation and participate in the CMVP and CCPM. After signing the agreement, the Angolan government requested that the UN extend the mandate of the pre-existing United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM).8 In May, the United Nations established the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) to monitor and verify the agreement, cease-fire, and elections.9 The mission authorized a total of 350 military observers, 126 civilian police, 87 international civilians, and 155 local staff.10 By July, 120 UN monitors had arrived in Angola, and head-of-mission General Pericles had begun attending CCPM meetings.11 By October 25, all authorized positions were filled.12 UN staff actively monitored compliance with the agreement, particularly by counting troops and weapons in assembly areas and providing logistical support for implementation procedures.13
1 “Angola first meeting of joint commission; legal basis to be established,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 20, 1991.
2 “Angola’s CCPM approves functional regulations,” Xinhua General News Service, June 27, 1991.
3 “Angola’s CCPM approves functional regulations,” Xinhua General News Service, June 27, 1991.
4 “Angola UNITA official states conditions for return to joint commission,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 13, 1991.
5 “Angola government and UNITA officials interviewed on renewed negotiations,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, September 18, 1991.
6 “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
7 “Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) (For the period 31 May 1991-25 October 1991),” UN Security Council, October 31, 1991.
8 “Angola first meeting of joint commission; legal basis to be established,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 20, 1991.
9 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
10 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
11 “Angola Luanda meeting of joint commission,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 18, 1991.
12 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
13 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
1992
The CCPM and CMVF continued to operate regularly in 1992.
Some monitoring teams that were not established in 1991—such as the joint police monitoring teams—were established in 1992.
In 1992, the UN continued its regular verification mission of the peace process, particularly concerning the verification of troop assembly, disarmament, and demobilization. In addition, the UN authorized 400 electoral observers to facilitate elections in Angola. UNAVEM facilitated the registration process by working with the National Electoral Council and providing logistical support. UNAVEM also monitored the electoral campaign, particularly to verify the freedom of organization, movement, assembly, expression, and access to state media. In addition, UNAVEM provided logistical support for elections and observed voting at polling stations.
1 “Further Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, March 3, 1992.
2 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
3 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
4 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
5 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
6 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
Detailed Implementation Timeline
1991
The Bicesse Accords called for the suspension of all hostilities beginning on May 15. This deadline was met, and the government and UNITA leadership formally accepted the cease-fire to begin at midnight on May 15,1 despite occasional allegations of cease-fire violations throughout 1991.
The Bicesse Accords stipulated the establishment of CCPM and CMVF and the initiation of verification operations by May 31. These bodies were established in accordance with the timeline and began meeting in June.2
The Bicesse Accords called for establishing a monitoring system—comprised of monitoring groups subordinate to CMVF—by June 15. While some regional monitoring groups were established, delays obstructed the formation of several others (such as the joint police monitoring group, which was not formed in 1991).3
The Bicesse Accords stipulated the installation of the UN verification system by June 30. In May, the United Nations established the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) to monitor and verify the agreement, cease-fire, and elections.4 The mission authorized a total of 350 military observers, 126 civilian police, 87 international civilians, and 155 local staff.5 By July, 120 UN monitors had arrived in Angola, and head-of-mission General Pericles had begun attending CCPM meetings.6 By October 25, all authorized positions were filled.7 UN staff actively monitored compliance with the agreement, particularly by counting troops and weapons in assembly areas and providing logistical support for implementation procedures.8
The Bicesse Accord stipulated that armed forces should move to assembly areas by August 1. By the end of 1991, approximately 65% of troops had assembled.9
1 “Angolan cease-fire date reportedly accepted by government and UNITA,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, May 17, 1991.
2 “Angola first meeting of joint commission; legal basis to be established,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 20, 1991.
3 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
4 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
5 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
6 “Angola Luanda meeting of joint commission,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 18, 1991.
7 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
8 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
9 “Round-up: 1991 –year of peace for Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, December 19, 1991.
1992
The Bicesse Accords called for general elections to be held from September 1-November 30, 1992. The President of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, announced on April 2 that general elections would take place on September 29 and 30.1 UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi formally accepted this timeline on April 5, 1992.2 The date was formalized through a presidential decree issued on July 17.3 The general elections for presidential and parliamentary representatives began, as scheduled, on September 29, 1992,4 and continued on September 30.5 Since no presidential candidate earned a simple majority of votes, Electoral Law required a run-off election within 30 days of the election results announcement.6 However, no run-off election took place in 1992.
The Bicesse Accords stipulated that the processes of forming the Angolan Armed Forces must conclude on the date of general elections. The UN Secretary-General reported that as of September 2, only 19% of the Angolan Armed Forces were assembled.7 Nonetheless, on September 27, both UNITA and the Angolan government formally dissolved their armies and established the Angolan Armed Forces. However, the demobilization of troops and formation of the Angolan Armed Forces remained incomplete.8 However, UNITA withdrew from the Angolan Armed Forces on October 5, 1992.9
1 “Angola sets general election data,” Xinhua General News Service, April 2, 1992.
2 “UNITA accepts Angola’s general election timetable,” Xinhua General News Service, April 5, 1992.
3 “Angola formalizes date for elections,” Xinhua General News Service, July 17, 1992.
4 “General elections kick off in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, September 29, 1992.
5 “Angola’s first ever multiparty elections enters second day,” United Press International, September 30, 1992.
6 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
7 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, September 9, 1992.
8 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
9 “UNITA announces withdrawal from integrated army,” Xinhua General News Service, October 6, 1992.
Please always cite: “Expanding the Peace Accords Matrix Implementation Dataset: Partial peace agreements in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement negotiation and implementation process, 1989–2021.” Madhav Joshi, Matthew Hauenstein, and Jason Quinn. Journal of Peace Research (2025).