Ceasefire – 1991
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.