The Circle of War
UN's interference in Angola is counter-productive
A report examining the reasons behind the UN's failure to restore peace in Angola in 1999. For Issa Diallo, UN Representative to Angola, it's been a tough mission. The UN, he says, "have failed to cross the finishing line." This is largely blamed on UNITA who, despite signing the UN peace deal in 1994, did not disarm its fighters.
Diallo maintains that the UN has to leave. "It is wrong to think that the role of the UN is to stay at any cost. If the UN cannot perform the mandate, for what purpose should it stay?" The grim determination of both sides to test their fortunes on the battlefield is clear. The vice-governor of Huambo says his government has no choice. "We do not believe that bullet for bullet fighting will bring peace but it is also necessary to weaken a stubborn 'partner'". Yet few hold out hope for any lasting military solution. Both sides are accused of using mercenaries who fight for diamonds not peace and who profit most from war. In this deadlock the Red Cross predicts a massive food crisis. Rations are already meagre. Weary women collapse as they queue for food. Mine victims crowd the hospital. The UN will try to maintain a humanitarian presence here but peace it seems has left Angola for the foreseeable future.
Produced by Hedgehog Productions
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