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Cease Fire: Luena Memorandum of Understanding

Implementations

Cease Fire – 2002

In 2001 and early 2002, after several years of renewed civil war following the failed 1994 Lusaka Protocol, the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) closed in on Jonas Savimbi, the leader of UNITA. After destroying most of the defenses surrounding the leader, the number of defections from Savimbi reached an all-time high in early February and the army reported that Savimbi was near the end.¹

On 22 February 2002, the FAA forces killed Jonas Savimbi, the leader of UNITA. The Angolan government immediately called on all UNITA troops to lay down their weapons and surrender.²

On 30 March 2002, FAA leader G. S. Nunda and UNITA leader Kamorteiro signed an agreement in the city of Luena, ending the civil war.³

UNITA troops began to travel to the assembly points identified in the Luena Agreement on the same day the agreement was officially signed. UNITA General Samuel Chiwale, a member of the Supreme Command of UNITA forces, instructed his troops to report to the assembly points in the Luena agreement immediately.⁴

There were no reports of armed conflict or organized violence following the Luena Agreement in 2002.

“Savimbi “Close to the End” as Government Forces Win More Victories,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, February 19, 2002.
“Angola’s Government Says Rebel Leader Savimbi Dead,” Agence France Presse, February 22, 2002.
“Angola Signs Ceasefire with UNITA Rebels,” Reuters News Agency, March 30, 2002.
“UNITA Forces in Northern Front Begin Implementing Luena Accord,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, April 4, 2002.

Cease Fire – 2003

There were no reports of armed conflict, organized violence, or ceasefire violations in 2003.¹

In April, Angolans nationally celebrated one year of peace.²

On 9 April, Professor Ibrahim A. Gambari, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, remarked on the extraordinary turn-around in Angola: “From the moment that cease-fire was declared in March 2002 till today, no single shot has been fired and no skirmishes have been reported in violations of the cease-fire. The process of disarmament of UNITA was completed and members of UNITA forces were integrated into the national army and police.”³

“U.N. Taking Active Role in Rebuilding Angola as Ceasefire Holds,” State Department, April 10, 2003.
“Angola Celebrates One Year of Peace,” Xinhua General News Service, April 4, 2003.
“Angola: Rebuilding the Nation: National Reconciliation and Peace,” Africa News, April 9, 2003.