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Introduction

United States national interests in Angola are based on the substantial U.S. economic interests in Angola and on the need to promote stability and development in southern and central Africa. U.S. goals in Angola promote achievement of lasting peace; a successful democratic transition with protection of human rights; Angola's economic development and integration into the region; U.S. economic and commercial interests; and humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance to those affected by conflict. Currently, the United States obtains nearly 7% of its petroleum from Angola, more than twice the amount imported from Kuwait. Angola is one of the United States' largest investment sites in sub-Saharan Africa, with over $4 billion invested to date, as well as one of its largest importers in sub-Saharan Africa. With increased stability, Angola could play a more significant role in the southern African economy, which is expected to be an engine of growth for the continent. Without internal stability, large quantities of food and/or other forms of humanitarian assistance may continue to be required.

The Development Challenge

In 1994, the Lusaka Protocol was signed and Angola emerged from over 20 years of fighting with 500,000 dead, 3.5 million internally displaced persons, and more than 300,000 refugees in neighboring countries. Millions of land mines had been laid; most of the country's infrastructure was destroyed; and the economy largely had collapsed. The few remaining civil society organizations were weak and ineffective.

Unfortunately, the Lusaka Protocol has been abandoned and full scale fighting erupted in late 1998. Renewed conflict in some parts of the country between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the Government of the Republic of Angola (GRA) has created over a million new internally displaced persons. This reversed the progress that had been made between 1996 and 1998 through the emergency humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance provided by the international community. Recently, though, GRA armed forces have made substantial gains, and prospects of a return to peace appear more possible. The revitalization of civil society continues despite the renewed conflict of the past year, with Angolans speaking out more about their concerns regarding the war and their ability to participate in the political process. Moreover, the number of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) is growing, and support for these organizations among Angolans and government officials is increasing. Still, Angola's nascent democracy remains very fragile and imperfect.

The United States has long-term goals and interests in assisting Angola's transition to become a stable force in the region and in promoting democratic government and economic prosperity. USAID plays an important part in supporting achievement of these goals. USAID is assisting the GRA's transition from war to peace by providing humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance. USAID also is supporting Angola's transition from a single party state to a democratic, free market economy by strengthening civil society and government institutions at the national and provincial level and by encouraging changes that will improve Angola's macroeconomic policy environment.

Other Donors

The World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations (U.N.) specialized agencies are the leading multilateral donors. The United States is the fifth largest bilateral donor, after Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway. However, the United States is by far the largest bilateral donor to the U.N. agencies in Angola for humanitarian assistance. In responding to the 1999 U.N. Consolidated Appeal, the United States provided $35 million, which was over half of the pledged amounts for food aid.

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