ANGOLA: UNITA calls on govt to address acts of intimidation in provinces

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 7 Sep 2005 (IRIN) - As Angola prepares to stage its first post-war poll there are growing concerns over incidents of politically-motivated violence between supporters of the country's major parties.

The latest clashes took place last month when MPLA-aligned local officials reportedly prevented the opposition UNITA from setting up offices in Balombo municipality in the eastern Benguela province. At least two people were seriously wounded as a result of fighting between the opposing sides.

UNITA public administration secretary on Wednesday told IRIN the party was concerned over the number of "politically-motivated acts of intolerance", in the provinces.

"We have received reports of such acts from Kuando Kubango, Moxico and Benguela provinces and it seems to be getting worse. We have met with President [Eduardo] Dos Santos and impressed upon him that he should use his power to stop this intimidation. We hope that the actions of the MPLA militants are not a deliberate strategy to undermine our chances in the upcoming elections," Sakala said.

More than three years after a protracted civil war ended, Angolans are gearing up for presidential and legislative polls, widely expected to be held by mid-2006. Analysts have pointed out the contest is likely to be a two-horse race between historical rivals UNITA and the MPLA.

Observers, however, warn that current tensions among their supporters - if left unchecked - could threaten the country's political stability.

"Without a doubt we are likely to receive a fair number of reports of party political violence as we get nearer to the elections. But it is necessary for the leadership from both sides to make sure that they send clear and constant messages to their supporters that they will not tolerate any acts of intimidation," Martinho Chachiua of the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa said.

"Furthermore, it is important that the police are seen to be neutral when investigating incidents of political violence. So far, there have been complaints of police inaction when dealing with acts of aggression against UNITA. It does not bode well for national reconciliation," he added.

But getting Angola's security forces to recognise the benefits of impartial policing during peacetime may be a tall order given the almost three decades of civil war.

"It is a bit unfair to say the police have taken no action when dealing with cases of political violence; they have in some instances. But it is important to remember that they [the police] have supported Angola's one-party state for a very long time and therefore are familiar with siding with the ruling party," an international human rights worker in Luanda noted.

He said it was important that local capacity was enhanced to ensure that human rights were protected in post-war Angola.

"In years to come there will probably be emotional remnants left over from the conflict and that is why it is necessary to keep an eye on what is happening on ground among local communities," the rights worker added.

[ENDS]