AngolaThere is archaeological evidence supporting the presence of prehistoric people in areas of present-day Angola. However, the Khoisan 'bushmen' are the first known settlers in modern history. These people, similar to pygmies, were primarily hunter-gatherers. More sophisticated Bantu people migrated to the area, from around current-day Cameroon, about the start of the Common Era (CE). These new migrants had more developed tools and were involved in agriculture. The Bantu people dominated the political scene and created vast kingdoms including the kingdoms Kongo, Ndongo and Lunda.
The Portuguese came to this area in 1482, under the command of Diogo Cão, and begun establishing trade missions with the major kingdoms. Through the end of the 15th century and into the 16th, multiple expeditions occurred as the Portuguese begun establishing a base in the area. Luanda was founded in 1575, as well as other subsequent settlements, most around the Atlantic coast. By the early 17th century, the Europeans had introduced Christianity in addition to establishing trade of firearms and other finished goods for slaves, ivory and minerals. The initial slaves were prisoners and servants of the ruling kings and warlords; but later, certain tribes developed alliances with the Portuguese and kidnapped people solely for sale into slavery. Slaves traded from the main ports in Luanda and Benguela were transported to Brazil, another Portugese colony, to serve as workforce on plantations. The trade benefited the European as well as the African elite rulers. During political instability in Portugal, collusion between Queen Jinga (Nzinga) of Ndongo and the Dutch led to ousting of the Portuguese in 1641 until they recaptured Luanda in 1648. Slave trade was abandoned in the early 19th century when the need for manpower diminished after Brazil attained independence.
After the end of slave trade, Portugal still maintained a firm hold on it African colonies. These colonies, Angola included, were then used primarily a source of raw materials, which were transported to Portugal to support its economy and industries. Towards the end of the 19th century, with increasing European interest in the economic potential of Africa's vast natural resources, the Berlin Conference in 1884-85 legitimized the hold of European colonial powers on their African territories. The conference effectively officially fragmented the continent and ushered in the 'Scramble for Africa' where colonial Europe established more direct rule over the colonies. The Cabinda exclave was a product of this fragmentation; the colonial occupants of the DRC wanted a path to the ocean, and were graciously 'given' the land surrounding the path of river Congo basin, effectively separating Cabinda from the rest of Angola.
Through the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Portugal strengthened rule in the Angola colony, extending its administration hinterland. During this period, though slavery was abolished, forced labor was imposed on the indigenes. European immigration increased to the area; these immigrants with the help of colonial governors acquired land and resources by displacing the local population. While the immigrants flourished, the natives worked and lived under despicable conditions, leading to multiple revolts and eventually the struggle for independence.
The independence struggle spanned almost 15 years; it was fierce and bloody. In 1951, changes to the political structure in Portugal changed the status of Angola from a colony to a province of Portugal. By the 1960's with the wave of independence sweeping through Africa, the Portuguese remained determined to hold-on to their provinces while political parties and movements began taking off. The major players were the MPLA, UNITA and FNLA; they were mostly regional and ethnic based and they organized both peaceful and violent revolts. The parties were later recognized by Portugal and they were able to effect some political and practical change; one notable achievement was their influence in abolishing of forced labor. Like in many African countries at the time, though these political movements had a common goal of ousting the Portuguese, differences and clashes between them undermined their efforts.
Another complicating factor was the alliances the major political movements made with other countries to bolster their legitimacy. MPLA was supported by the Soviet Union, Cuba and other communist sympathizers, while UNITA and FNLA were supported most notably by China, South Africa, DRC (the Zaire) and the USA. Political turmoil in mainland Portugal in the 1970's led to a change of government in 1974 and subsequently an opening for the liberation fighters in Angola. An agreement was reached in July 1975 to grant independence to Angola on Nov 11 1975. With no plans to organize a democratic process, civil war broke out between the political movements as each tried to gain control at independence; weapons were supplied by their respective allies. The war was a proxy Cold War. The MPLA had control of Luanda, the capital, in the periods leading to the day of the independence. The USA government, with the help of President Mobutu in DRC, who could not bear allowing the expansion of Communist influence in Africa, provided weapons and technical support through the CIA to the UNITA and FNLA front. South Africa, under apartheid rule at this time, controlled current-day Namibia, which it feared would be threatened by Soviet control in Angola. The attempts to capture Luanda from the MPLA failed. On Nov 11 1975, the Portuguese left Angola a fragmented place. The MPLA led by Agostinho Neto declared independence in Luanda while the UNITA and FNLA led by Jonas Savimbi and Holden Roberto formed a rival coalition government and declared independence in Huambo.
Angola descended further into chaos as the civil war between the political factions prolonged past independence, and for another 27 years, leading to the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians and economic devastation. The proxy Cold War subsequently continued through the 1990's; it had covert and even more blatant support from the opposing allies in the from of military personnel and supplies. Agostinho Neto official remained president until he death in 1979 when Jose Eduardo dos Santos, also from the MPLA, became president. Peace deals between the rival UNITA and MPLA in 1991 and 1994 were subsequently unsuccessful and the fighting continued. Jonas Savimbi, long time leader of UNITA was killed in 2002, leading to a UNITA cease-fire agreement and ushering in an era of peace.
Timeline of significant events
1483: Portuguese arrive17th and 18th century: Slave trade. Millions are sold and transported to plantations mostly in Brazil but also to the US
1836: Slavery is officially abolished by the Portuguese, but it is still practiced till later in the century
1885: The Scramble for Africa begins
Early 20th century: Forced labor persists
1951: Angola becomes a province
1950's: Political movements begin
1961: Forced labor is abolished
1960's till 1975: The war for independence
1975: Independence and start of civil war. MPLA, Agostinho Neto, rule official government
1979: Agostinho Neto dies and Jose Eduardo dos Santos becomes president
1980's: Continued Civil War
1991: Lisbon Peace deal signed by dos Santos (MPLA) and Savimbi (UNITA)
1992: Presidential election conducted under UN supervision. dos Santos wins first round but has less than 50% of votes. Second round is needed, but is never conducted and peace deal disintegrates and Savimbi rejects election result. Fighting resumes and don Santos remains president.
1993: UN imposes sanctions on UNITA and USA recognizes MPLA.
1994: Lusaka Protocol peace accord is signed by UNITA and the government, integration of UNITA rebels into the military begins. Peace accord fails in subsequent years
1998: Fight resumes
2002: Savimbi killed by government troops, UNITA agrees to ceasefire and troops are demobilized
2005: Cholera and Marburg virus epidemic kills over 2000
2006: Angola joins OPEC, becomes 2nd largest oil producing country in sub-Saharan Africa, and signs peace agreement with separatist group in Cabinda province where 65% of oil originates.
2008: Parliamentary elections take place. MPLA wins 82% and UNITA, 10% of seats. Results are accepted and no violence ensues.
2009: Presidential elections planned.
Other Facts: 2008 estimates
Population: 12.5 million, 43.6% are less than 14, and the median age is 18Life expectancy: 37.92. M- 36.99, F- 38.9
Literacy rate: 67.4%
HIV prevalence- 3.9% estimate in 2003
Ethnic groups: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico (mixed) 2%, European 1% and others
Languages: Portuguese (official), Kongo, Mbundu, Chokwe
Economy: GDP (PPP): $9100. GDP real growth rate: 15.1%. 2nd largest Oil and diamond producer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Currency: Kwanza (AOA)
Internet TLD: .ao
Sources, and for more information:
Wikipedia: Angola, Colonial history of Angola,
BBC: Country Profile, Timeline
CIA World Factbook: Angola
Angola Embassy in DC
Please share your thoughts.
