UNITA
Introduction[edit]
The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA; Portuguese: União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola) is a political party in Angola, originally founded as an anti-colonial and later anti-communist rebel movement. Established in 1966 by Jonas Savimbi, UNITA played a significant role in Angola's Angolan War of Independence|War of Independence (1961–1975) against Portugal and the subsequent Angolan Civil War (1975–2002) against the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This article covers UNITA’s history, its role in Angola’s conflicts, and examines alleged connections to Operation Gladio, a Cold War-era NATO initiative.
History[edit]
Founding and Independence Struggle[edit]
UNITA was founded on March 13, 1966, in Muangai, Moxico province, by Jonas Savimbi and Antonio da Costa Fernandes. Savimbi, previously with the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA), broke away to form UNITA, focusing on the Ovimbundu ethnic group, Angola’s largest. Initially influenced by Maoism from Savimbi’s training in China, UNITA launched its first attack against Portuguese colonial forces on December 25, 1966, during the Angolan War of Independence.
Angolan Civil War[edit]
After Angola’s independence in November 1975, UNITA fought the Soviet- and Cuban-backed MPLA in the Angolan Civil War. Nearly defeated in 1975, UNITA survived with support from South Africa and, later, the United States under the Reagan Doctrine. Controlling rural areas and diamond mines (e.g., Catoca), UNITA became a formidable guerrilla force.
Peace agreements, including theBicesse Accords (1991) and Lusaka Protocol (1994), failed to end hostilities. The war ended in 2002 after Savimbi’s death, with UNITA transitioning into a political party.
Post-War and Political Role[edit]
Since 2002, UNITA has operated as a political party, becoming Angola’s second-largest by 2022, securing 44% of votes in the 2022 elections.<ref name="wiki" /> It advocates for democratic reforms and remains a key opposition to the MPLA government.
Foreign Support[edit]
During the civil war, UNITA received aid from:
- China (1966–1975): Provided training and ideological support.
- South Africa: Offered military and logistical aid to counter the MPLA and SWAPO.
- United States: Supplied funding and training after the repeal of the Clark Amendment in 1985, with Ronald Reagan meeting Savimbi in 1986.
Connection to Operation Gladio[edit]
Operation Gladio was a clandestine NATO operation during the Cold War, establishing anti-communist “stay-behind” networks in Europe to counter a potential Soviet invasion. UNITA shared anti-communist goals with Gladio and received CIA support, this links UNITA to Gladio’s European-focused network.
Context and Analysis[edit]
- Shared Goals: Both UNITA and Gladio aligned with U.S. anti-communist policies, particularly under Reagan. However, Gladio focused on covert European operations, while UNITA fought an overt civil war in Africa.
- CIA Involvement: CIA aid to UNITA mirrors its role in Gladio, but Gladio’s structure involved secret stay-behind armies, not rebel movements like UNITA.
Legacy[edit]
UNITA’s transformation from a rebel group to a major political party reflects its enduring influence in Angola. Its historical reliance on foreign support and role in the civil war remain subjects of debate.