UCDP

General information

First Active Year: 1966

Current Name: UNITA
Current Name full English: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Current Name full native language: União nacional para a independência total de Angola

Original Name: UNITA
Original Name full English: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Original Name full native language: União nacional para a independência total de Angola

Actor Chronology

This section contains information about (if applicable) group splinters, name changes, and alliances according to the UCDP definitions of these concepts.

UCDP has not recorded any Chronology Activities involving this group.

Conflict issues

Government of Angola - UNITA

Conflict Goal Issues: UNITA (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola) was a rebel group fighting against the MPLA-led Angolan government after Angola’s independence from Portugal in November 1975. The group’s leader Jonas Savimbi was influenced by Maoist ideology, and predominantly recruited supporters from his own ethnic group, the Ovimbundu. The first year in which conflict goal issues are coded was 1975, when the group called for elections as well as a coalition government in which the three liberation movements UNITA, MPLA and FNLA would share power. The issues that were repeated over time by UNITA can be broadly divided into two overarching categories, one dealing with democratic principles and elections, and the other with restructuring the police and integrating UNITA’s forces with the government’s. The first overarching category consisted of demands to share power in the executive as well as the holding of elections, both consistently called for over time, from 1975 to 1999. The group also called for democracy and various democratic rights and freedoms, but these demands began later, in 1986, and then continued until 1999. After Angola’s first elections were held in 1992, the group claimed the elections were fraudulent and demanded that a second round of presidential election should be held. The second overarching category of conflict goal issues was demands on how to restructure the police and how to integrate UNITA’s forces with the government’s. These issues were concentrated in the early 1990s, after the 1992 elections triggered the country back into conflict. UNITA’s main conflict goal issues were to hold elections and share power in the executive, as they were consistently called for during a long period of time. These were also the first conflict goal issues coded from a 1975 statement: “In this spirit it has sought and diligently worked for an interim arrangements that would allow the total Angolan population to be represented through a coalition-type government, which would include equal or proportional representation from the three liberation movements. At a mutually agreed upon point in time, elections could be held, again giving proportional representation to the three Angolan parties.”

Conflict Dynamics Issues: UNITA pronounced its first conflict dynamics issue in 1975, when it called for the removal of foreign influence in Angola. It stated “UNITA’s determination to win the total independence of Angola from foreign rule,” directed towards the MPLA – the government of Angola – which was supported by the Soviet Union. UNITA pronounced a variety of conflict dynamics issues, mentioning most during just one or two years, but repeatedly called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, the use of foreign influence, and the release of prisoners. The rebel group demanded that all foreign troops leave Angola multiple times from 1976 to 1988, once specifically directed at the Cuban troops that supported the MPLA. Ironically, the group also called on the West to provide it with military and political support during this time. The demand for the withdrawal of foreign forces likely stopped due to the actual withdrawal of Cuban troops after an agreement with the Angolan government in December 1988. However, the other two issues that were repeatedly called for remained the same over time. Also beginning in 1976, UNITA consistently called for the release of prisoners until 1997, often as a condition before engaging in negotiations. The group also consistently called for the use of foreign influence, although this demand was first pronounced later, in 1984, until 1999. Although this issue may appear contradictory to the first conflict dynamics issue of removal of foreign influence, these demands were directed at different actors and were therefore compatible. UNITA’s main conflict dynamics issues were IFI: Use of foreign influence and release of prisoners, as they were continuously called for during a long period of time. The rebel group called on various foreign actors to influence the conflict, such as corporations, the United States, and the United Nations, demonstrated by a 1984 statement: “a spokesman for UNITA had called on multinational corporations with interests in Angola to use their influence with the Angolan Government to bring about an end to the war in that country.” A 1997 statement illustrates the importance of releasing prisoners to the group: “(UNITA) has demanded the urgent release of its supporters detained in Namibia, fearing their lives to be in danger.”

Conflict Resolution Issues: While the conflict goal and dynamics issues were first pronounced in 1975, UNITA’s first conflict resolution issue was coded for 1985 when it called for negotiations: “UNITA’s call for an end to the war and for a negotiated settlement.” Overall, UNITA’s conflict resolution issues remained the same over time. It often called for negotiations, and demanded certain structures of those negotiations. These issues were called for regularly between 1985 and 2002. The rebel group called for ceasefires during a few years between 1989 and 1994, and each year corresponded with negotiations. In 1993 UNITA opposed negotiations based on the Bicesse Peace Agreement signed two years earlier, and proposed that new provisions should be added to it. In late 1994 the Lusaka Accord was signed, and in the following years the group made various demands on implementation as well as modification of that agreement. UNITA’s main conflict resolution issues were call for negotiations and structure of negotiations, based on how these demands were formulated as well as their continuity. During the period from 1985 to 2002, the group called for negotiations in eleven years and for specific structures of negotiations in six years. In an interview the leader Savimbi stated that “the war in Angola would only end when the MPLA leaders decided to hold talks with UNITA.”

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Autonomy, Bureaucratic setup, Civil rights, Constitutional issues, CPS: Democracy, Cultural rights, Decentralization, Electoral fraud, Electoral reform, Executive power-sharing, Executive power-sharing: interim, Freedom of association, Freedom of expression, Hold elections, Land reforms, Language rights, Oust full executive, Public services, Reform judicial system, Religious rights, Restructure military forces, Restructure police forces, Rule of law, Security sector power-sharing

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Collective targeting: ethnic, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Removal of foreign mediator, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of military support, DFI: Withdrawal of sanctions, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Military support, IFI: Political support, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Release of prisoners

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Call for negotiations, Call for truth and reconciliation processes, Opposition to negotiations, Peace agreement implementation, Structure of negotiations

Annual information

This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.

1975

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1976

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1977

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1978

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1979

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1980

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1981

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1982

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1983

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1984

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1985

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1986

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1987

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1988

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1989

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1990

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1991

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1992

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Angola - UNITA

1993

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1994

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1995

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1998

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

1999

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

2000

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

2001

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

2002

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

UNITA - Civilians

Government of Angola - UNITA

Group Archive

This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.

1975 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: Missing
Secondary Support: As the date for Angolas independence approached, support for the different parties from international actors increased. At the beginning of the intrastate armed conflict on 11 November 1975, UNITA, together with FNLA, were engaged in a joint operation that received secondary support from South Africa, USA, North Korea and Zaire. South Africa also participated as a secondary warring party, initially denying reports of its involvement but admitting in November that its forces were actively supporting UNITA against the MPLA. France provided advisers, based in Zaire, and technical assistance. Finally, a number of other countries provided secondary support (mainly economic) to UNITA around this time, but it is unclear in which years. They include Kuwait, Quatar, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates. China provided 93 tons of weapons to UNITA, via Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania. It is unclear how many actually entered the posession of UNITA.

1976 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 2000 - 6000
Comment on Troop Size: In March, UNITA claimed to have 2000 active guerrilla fighters, with some 10 000 further in training. In late 1976, the rebel group claimed its numbers had grown to some 6000 men.
Secondary Support: France provided advisers, based in Zaire, and technical assistance.

1977 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

1978 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: Missing
Secondary Support: South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. France provided advisers, based in Zaire, and technical assistance. Based on the agreement on military support from Morocco concluded in 1977, a fund which involved France, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Morocco was set up for the purpose of aiding UNITA, totalling over $15 million.

1979 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

1980 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 20 000
Secondary Support: In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. In line with its strategy to aid UNITA against the Angolan government, South Africa set up a Directorate of Special Tasks (DST) charged with channeling secondary support to the rebel group. South Africas Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1981 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 55 000
Secondary Support: In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. In line with its strategy to aid UNITA against the Angolan government, South Africa had set up a Directorate of Special Tasks (DST) charged with channeling secondary support to the rebel group. South Africas Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1982 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 14-35 000
Comment on Troop Size: UNITA’s leader Jonas Savimbi claimed in 1982 to have 14 000 active fighters in regular units, with a total fighting capacity of 35 000 men.
Secondary Support: In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. In line with its strategy to aid UNITA against the Angolan government, South Africa had set up a Directorate of Special Tasks (DST) charged with channeling secondary support to the rebel group. South Africas Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1983 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 35 000
Secondary Support: In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. In line with its strategy to aid UNITA against the Angolan government, South Africa had set up a Directorate of Special Tasks (DST) charged with channeling secondary support to the rebel group. South Africas Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1984 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 20 000
Secondary Support: Zaire provided safe havens on its territory. There were also rumours around this time that Israelis were training UNITA soldiers in Zaire. In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. In line with its strategy to aid UNITA against the Angolan government, South Africa had set up a Directorate of Special Tasks (DST) charged with channeling secondary support to the rebel group. South Africas Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1985 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 35 500
Secondary Support: Zaire provided safe havens on its territory. There were also rumours around this time that Israelis were training UNITA soldiers in Zaire. Furthermore, in June 1985, the US Senate voted to repeal the Clark Amendment, which had banned US military and financial support to UNITA. UNITA claimed in 1985 to have received â€œmore sophisticated equipment from South Africa, Arab states, and, indirectly, from Europeâ€ than since before Angolan independence. In addition to secondary warring support, South Africa aided UNITA through provision of safe havens in Namibia, and by offering training and military equipment. Defence Minister Magnus Malan in September 1985 publicly admitted that material, humanitarian and moral support had been provided to UNITA for a number of years and would continue until Cuban troops were withdrawn from Angola.

1986 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: União nacional para a independência total de Angola; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Armed wing: FALA (Forças armadas de libertação de Angola; Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola)
Troop Size: 41 000
Secondary Support: In 1986 through 1988, the US aid package to UNITA amounted to $15 million a year. Military support in 1986 reportedly included â€œStingerâ€ surface-to-air missiles and other anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons. Zaire provided safe havens. Following the repeal of the Clark Amendment in 1985, the USA in 1986 resumed military and financial assistance to UNITA. Zaire provided safe havens on its territory. It was alleged that the US support reached UNITA via Zaire, and that UNITA was setting up bases there, leading to a deterioration of Angolan-Zairean relations. There were also rumours around this time that Israelis were training UNITA soldiers in Zaire.

1987 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

1988 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

1989 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 28 000 - 65 000
Comment on Troop Size: Some 28 000 regulars and 37 000 militia (support and logistics).
Secondary Support: The USA: The USA provided crucial military support to UNITA. In 1989 CIA used 2 Hercules planes to airlift weapons from Zaire to UNITAs head quarter at Jamba. The US tried to compensate UNITAs loss of South African support by increasing its own assistance. In 1986 through 1988, the aid package amounted to 15 million US Dollars a year, and in 1989 it was increased to 50 million US Dollars. Zaire: Mobutu Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. The movement could operate from the countrys territory and Mobutu supplied the movement with weapons. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for fuel and other states armed support. Morocco: Military training.

1990 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 28 000 - 65 000
Comment on Troop Size: Some 28 000 regulars and 37 000 militia (support and logistics).
Secondary Support: The USA: The USAs military support to UNITA increased during 1990. Another Hercules was added to the 2 already stationed in Zaire for CIA airlifts to UNITA head quarter in Jamba. Zaire: Mobutu Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobutu supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support. Morocco: Military training.

1991 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 28 000 - 65 000
Comment on Troop Size: Some 28 000 regulars and 37 000 militia (support and logistics); to merge with government forces.
Secondary Support: "The USA: The USA provided support to UNITA throughout the year. However, after the signing of the Bicesse accord in May, the military nature of the assistance ended in compliance with the ""triple zero option"" of the accord. This stipulated the cessation of all military assistance by the troika observer states (the USA, The USSR and Portugal), to either side in the conflict. Thus, the USA provided funding for UNITA, while its purpose was unknown. Zaire: Mobutu Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobutu supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support. Morocco: Military training"

1992 Group Archive

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 28 000 - 65 000
Comment on Troop Size: Some 28 000 regulars and 37 000 militia (support and logistics); to merge with government forces.
Secondary Support: The USA: The United States continued its dual-track approach to Angola through contacts with the government and support of UNITA. In addition to the 60 million US Dollars in publicly accounted aid, the Bush administration provided UNITA with 30 million Dollars in covert funding through the CIA for the fiscal year 1992. However, this was to be the last covert assistance from USA to UNITA, as the formers patience with the rebel movement was wearing thin. Zaire: Mobutu Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobutu supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support. Morocco: Military training

1993 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 40 000 - 45 000
Comment on Troop Size: UNITA recruited heavily during the year. At the end of the year UNITA was estimated to consist of > 45 000 troops.
Secondary Support: Zaire: Mobutu Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobutu supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support.1 Morocco: Military training. Togo: In late 1993 the country became a provider of credible end-user certificates to UNITA.

1994 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 55 000
Secondary Support: Zaire: Mobuto Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobuto supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support. Morocco: Military training. Togo: From 1993 onwards providing UNITA with credible end-users certificates.

1995 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 55 000 - 60 000
Secondary Support: Zaire: Mobuto Sese-Seko, the President of Zaire was a primary supporter of UNITA. UNITA fighters could move freely across the border into Zaire, and Mobuto supplied the movement with weapons and supplies. The country also functioned as a venue where UNITA could sell their diamonds, as well as a supply route for other states armed support. Morocco: Military training. Togo: From 1993 onwards providing UNITA with credible end-users certificates. Congo-Brazzaville: The democratically elected Pascal Lissboua allowed UNITA to establish secret bases in southern Congo from 1995 onwards. The country was also used to conceal large amounts of weaponry from the UN during the Lusaka peace process.

1998 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 25 000 - 35 000
Comment on Troop Size: Some 11 000 troops have been integrated into the national army. UNITA claims to have completed the demobilisation process, but an 25 000 - 35 000 fully equipped troops plus support militia are reported.
Secondary Support: Morocco: Providing military training. Togo: From 1993 onwards providing UNITA with credible end-users certificates for arms and military equipment. After the fall of Mobutu in mid-1997, President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo became 1 of Savimbis main supporters, and in addition to the arms transfer services, the UN reported that it also gave refuelling facilities for smugglers flying into Angola. In May 1997, Angola helped overthrow President Mobutu in Zaire. Following this, the ties between Kinshasa and Luanda grew strong and UNITAs supply route from the north-east was effectively cut off. In October 1997, the same happened in Congo. The Angolan government helped overthrow the democratically elevted Pascal Lissouba, which resulted in an MPLA-friendly regime in Congo. Thus, also this supply route was cut off for the Angolan rebels.

1999 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 25 000 - 65 000
Comment on Troop Size: 25 000 - 35 000 fully equipped troops plus 30 000 support militia reported.
Secondary Support: Morocco: Providing military training. Togo: From 1993 onwards providing UNITA with credible end-users certificates for arms and military equipment. After the fall of Mobutu in mid-1997, President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo became one of Savimbis main supporters, and in addition to the arms transfer services, the UN reported that it also gave refuelling facilities for smugglers flying into Angola.

2000 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 20 000 - 50 000
Comment on Troop Size: 20 000 fully equipped troops plus 30 000 support militia reported.
Secondary Support: Togo: From 1993 onwards providing UNITA with credible end-users certificates for arms and military equipment. After the fall of Mobutu in mid-1997, President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo became the first of Savimbis main supporters, and in addition to the arms transfer services, the UN reported that it also gave refuelling facilities for smugglers flying into Angola.

2001 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

2002 Group Archive

UNITA - Civilians

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola

Government of Angola - UNITA

Comment on Name: Uniao national para a independência total de Angola: National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
Troop Size: 10 000 - 20 000
Comment on Troop Size: This is the number of troops estimated to be active in 2002. The total number of UNITA troops publicly agreed to be demobilised and reintegrated according to the ceasefire agreement was 50 000. However, a total number of 80 000-90 000 UNITA troops were registred at the quartering areas during the demobilisation period.

Uppsala Conflict Data Program

Department of Peace and Conflict Research

UCDP

UNITA