Angolan Peace Accords (1991)

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The Angolan Peace Accords, signed on May 31, 1991, marked a significant turning point in the country's history. This agreement was the culmination of six rounds of peace talks that began in April 1990, mediated by Portugal with the participation of the United States and the Soviet Union. The accords aimed to end decades of civil war between the governing MPLA (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola) and UNITA (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola). Key provisions included a ceasefire, the integration of the two armies, and the establishment of multiparty elections scheduled for late 1992. The Bicesse Accords, as they are also known, were initially successful in halting hostilities but ultimately failed to achieve lasting peace. Despite their shortcomings, they laid the groundwork for future peace processes. The accords represented a model for post-Cold War peacemaking, leveraging international support to facilitate dialogue between warring parties. However, Angola's path to stability was long and challenging, with the civil war resuming until the final peace agreement in 2002. The 1991 accords remain significant as an early attempt to transition Angola towards democracy and peace.