UNAVEM: A glimmer of hope in Angola’s turbulent past

UNAVEM: A glimmer of hope in Angola’s turbulent past

The Republic of Angola has faced its share of unrest and conflict throughout its history. From Portugal’s struggles for independence to the ongoing civil war that has ravaged the country, Angola has been a country plagued by violence and instability. Amid this turmoil, the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM) has played a crucial role in bringing hope and stability to the war-torn country.

The origins of UNAVEM

In 1988, the United Nations General Assembly authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping mission to Angola, the main objective of which was to monitor the cessation of hostilities and implement the 1988 Agreement on the regional peace process in southern Africa. This agreement aimed to establish a permanent ceasefire between the Angolan government and the rebel movement of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The UNAVEM mission was led by General Roméo Dallaire, a Canadian officer who would later gain international recognition for his leadership in Rwanda.

The challenges faced by UNAVEM

Upon arrival in Angola, the UNAVEM mission faced a multitude of challenges. The country has been ravaged by war, with millions of people displaced and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The mission struggled to gain cooperation from the government and UNITA rebels, who had a history of violence and mistrust. Additionally, the UNAVEM force was responsible for policing a vast and isolated territory, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia.

UNAVEM’s achievements

Despite the challenges, the UNAVEM mission was able to make significant progress in promoting peace and stability in Angola. The mission successfully monitored the ceasefire and ensured that the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries from the region was completed. UNAVEM forces also helped establish and maintain lines of communication between the government and UNITA forces, thereby facilitating dialogue and reducing the risk of conflict.

The United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM) played a vital role in bringing hope and stability to Angola during a tumultuous period in the country’s history. Despite the many challenges the mission faced, UNAVEM forces managed to monitor the ceasefire and promote dialogue between the government and UNITA rebels. As Angola continues to rebuild and recover from the ravages of war, the legacy of UNAVEM provides a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of international cooperation and peacekeeping in promoting peace and stability in the world.

• "UNAVEM I: United Nations Verification Mission in Angola" (The United Nations)
• "Angola: a history" by John F. Loubser (Taylor & Francis)
• "The United Nations and peacekeeping in Africa" by Thomas Wheeler-Dickinson (Springer)