Angola - OCHA: 06-12.Aug.98

              HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN ANGOLA
             Period covered: 6 - 12 August 1998

The information contained in this report was provided by the
 United Nations Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unit in Luanda (UCAH)


GENERAL SITUATION

The political atmosphere slightly improved last week, mainly for the
successful mission of the Special Envoy, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi. One of the
significant results achieved by Mr. Brahimi was that UNITA Headquarters
finally sent their "Ambassador," Isaias Samakuva, back to Luanda after his
prolonged absence of over two months. This was a positive step towards
reactivation of the peace negotiations.  Last Friday 7 July, the Joint
Commission met for a follow-up meeting in the presence of Mr. Brahimi during
which UNITA presented its new proposal to come out of the crisis. This
proposal indicates that the extension of the State administration should be
completed by mid-October. In response to UNITA the Government yesterday did
not accept its proposal and demanded UNITA to show its willingness to get out
of the current crisis by bringing all its leadership to Luanda, as well as,
to cooperate in extending the State administration to the four "sensitive
areas" by the end of August. The Government further requests the immediate
cessation of UNITA military activities and the complete demilitarisation of
its troops.

The appointment by the Secretary General of the new mediator for Angola, Mr.
Issa Diallo (Guinea Conakry) was also seen as a positive step. The news of
his arrival by the end of the month has been received with great expectations
and optimism. It is hoped that with his arrival the political impasse
experienced since the tragic death of Maitre Beye could be overcome.

However, even if the political climate has improved, the mutual confidence is
still missing and the instability on the ground persists. Allegedly, UNITA
continues to reoccupy new localities throughout the territory, and news about
attacks and ambushes are constantly broadcast. For example, the media relayed
the information of a new massacre in Malanje Province during last weekend
resulting in over 150 people killed and being attributed to UNITA.  However,
this information has not yet been confirmed and should be cautiously dealt
with.

The military preparations continue on both sides.  Apparently, the government
is recruiting more soldiers and seeking support from the international
community.  At the same time UNITA has been reported hiring mercenaries from
aboard, mainly from South Africa, and buying modern artillery from Bulgaria.
The authorities of the referred countries have condemned these activities and
promised to deal with anyone providing military support to UNITA and breaking
the UN sanctions.


GENERAL HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

The improvements of the political atmosphere have not yet impacted on the
humanitarian situation. The displacement of populations, as one of the main
concerns of the humanitarian community, continues. Not only the constant
attacks and ambushes are driving people to forced movements, but also the
widely practiced military recruitment is causing panic and subsequently
displacements.

As of 12 August, the humanitarian organisations have confirmed at least over
132,024 new IDPs.  Yet, the unconfirmed reports still estimate the existence
of more than 150,000 new IDPs throughout the country. UNHCR in Kinshasa also
confirms that the number of refugees from Angola to Democratic Republic of
Congo has increased since May. Due to the current instability in DRC, the
exact figures are difficult to attain, but the estimated number of Angolan
refugees is 25,000-30,000. Preliminary reports, still to be confirmed,
indicate arrival of people from DRC in Noqui in Zaire province.

Drought conditions have seriously affected the southern province of Cuando
Cubango and Cunene. The WFP and other organisations are taking actions to
provide assistance for over 100,000 affected people.


STATUS OF APPEAL AND EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS

The same as reported last time.


This report is available on the internet through RELIEFWEB:
http://www.reliefweb.int

Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unit (UCAH) - Luanda
Mr. Francesco Strippoli
Tel.: (244 2) 39 77 74/39 35 43
Satelite Fax: (00873) 38 50 50 914

Complex Emergency Response /
Consolidated Appeal Process (CER/CAP) - Geneva
Mr. Ernest Chipman - Chief
Mr. Ayodele Fowler
Tel.: (41 22) 788.1406
Fax: (41 22) 788.6386
Registry E-Mail: Abu.Conteh@dha.unicc.org

Complex Emergencies Division (CED)-New York
Ms. Agnes Asekenye-Oonyu
Tel.: (1 212) 963.1773
Fax: (1 212) 963.1388
E-Mail: buer@un.org

Information Service
Ms. Therese Gastaut - Director
Tel.: (41 22) 917.2300
Fax: (41 22) 917.0030
E-Mail: tgastaut@unog.ch



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