Bicesse Accords: Thirty-Three Years Later
Today marks 33 years since the signing of the Bicesse Peace Accords, a landmark in Angola's history. These agreements represented the first formal attempt to establish a ceasefire, promote national reconciliation, and begin Angola's transition to democracy, just sixteen years after national independence.
The signing of these agreements symbolized a commitment between the warring parties and marked the beginning of a new era of hope for a country devastated by years of civil war. Looking back, we need to understand the historical context and dynamics that led to their realization, and we must reflect on their legacy and Angola's political and social trajectory.
The Bicesse Agreements
The Bicesse Accords were a negotiation on a ceasefire, national reconciliation and a transition to multi-party democracy, concluded between the government of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
The agreements established a transition to multi-party democracy in Angola under the supervision of the Second United Nations Verification Mission in Angola (UNAVEM II).
They were promoted by Durão Barroso while he was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal in 1990. It was also mediated by the United States and the Soviet Union for its signing.
The agreements were signed at the Estoril School of Hotel Management and Tourism in Bicesse, Portugal, by José Eduardo dos Santos and Jonas Savimbi on May 1, 1991. They stipulated that the first free and democratic elections would be held in Angola, supervised by the United Nations.
The agreements also defined that the belligerent military structures of the Civil War, the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FALA), of UNITA and the Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), the military forces of the Angolan State, would be integrated into the new Angolan Armed Forces.
Historic context
The world witnessed the moment when the Angolan President at the time, José Eduardo dos Santos, and the rebel leader Jonas Malheiro Savimbi, both now deceased, shook hands, symbolizing a commitment to peace.
These agreements emerged in a context influenced by several factors in the late 80s, including the outcome of the war in Angola between the armies of South Africa and Angola, with the intervention of several external actors. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the winds of democratization blowing globally also played a crucial role.
The initiatives of former President Mobutu of then-Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) helped encourage the warring parties to seek a peaceful solution. In addition to these international factors, the Angolan population's fatigue with war and the destruction caused by years of conflict were also decisive.
The warring parties realized that continued fighting would only worsen the people's suffering and hinder the country's development. International pressure to find a peaceful solution was an additional factor that could not be ignored.
Despite international efforts, the signing of these agreements and the Lusaka Protocol, UNITA ended up unilaterally breaking the agreements by rejecting the official results of the 1992 presidential elections and moving on to the next phase of the Angolan Civil War, a conflict that lasted until 2002.
Only with the death of Jonas Savimbi and UNITA vice-president António Sebastião Dembo could the Bicesse Accords be salvaged. Paulo Lukamba Gato, a FALA general and interim president of UNITA, led the organization to sign the Luena Memorandum of Understanding, a complement to the Bicesse and Lusaka peace agreements, to end the war.
The Lessons of Bicesse
Thirty-three years later, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from the Bicesse Agreements. Despite failures in the implementation of the ceasefire, national reconciliation, and the transition to democracy, the agreements marked an important step on the path to peace in Angola.
The experience gained with Bicesse was valuable and served as a basis for future negotiations, such as the Luena Memorandum, signed in 2002, which ended a decade of conflict (1992-2002) and brought lasting peace, entirely negotiated by the Angolans themselves.
This memorandum was proof that, despite adversity, Angolans have the capacity to resolve their internal problems without the need for foreign mediation.
The Bicesse Accords showed that, although the path to peace is arduous and full of obstacles, it is possible to achieve a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation.
The importance of involving local leaders and civil society in the peace process cannot be underestimated. The active participation of all sectors of society is essential to ensure that peace agreements are lasting and effective.
The Legacy of Bicesse
The legacy of the Bicesse Agreements is complex, but essential to understanding Angola's path to peace and democracy. Although peace was not achieved immediately, Bicesse paved the way for dialogue and negotiation, demonstrating that conflict resolution was possible.
Today, Angola enjoys an era of relative peace and stability, with more than two-thirds of that period spent in peace. The journey, despite the challenges, has been worthwhile. The process of national reconciliation and democratic transition continues, and the country has demonstrated its determination to build a better future for all its citizens.
Reflections on Peace
The Bicesse Accords also remind us of the importance of patience and persistence in the peace process. Peacebuilding is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that requires the constant commitment of all parties involved.
It is essential that the international community continue to support Angola in its efforts to maintain peace and promote sustainable development. The Bicesse Accords serve as a reminder that peace cannot be imposed from the outside; it must be built from within, with the active involvement of all stakeholders.
Mutual trust, respect for human rights, and the promotion of social justice are fundamental pillars for building lasting peace.
Challenges and Perspectives
Thirty-three years after the Bicesse Accords, Angola still faces significant challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality remain serious problems that need to be addressed. National reconciliation, while progress has been made, still requires continued efforts to overcome past divisions.
However, there are reasons for optimism. Angola has abundant natural resources and a resilient people who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome adversity. The Angolan government has implemented economic and political reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.
The international community also has an important role to play in supporting Angola's development. International cooperation, foreign investment, and technical assistance can help strengthen Angolan institutions and promote economic and social development.
Conclusion
The Bicesse Accords were an important milestone in Angola's history, symbolizing the first serious attempt to achieve peace and national reconciliation. Thirty-three years later, the country can look back and recognize the lessons learned and the progress made.
The Bicesse experience and the subsequent Luena Memorandum show that Angolans have the capacity and will to resolve their problems internally, without the need for foreign intervention.
Angola has demonstrated that it is possible to build a future of peace and prosperity, despite the challenges. The path to peace is continuous, and it is essential that all Angolans remain committed to the values of dialogue, justice, and reconciliation.
Picture: © DR
