Ceasefire: Bicesse Accords
Implementations
Ceasefire – 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.
Ceasefire – 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.