ANGOLA FIELD TRIP REPORT N°4 ( AUGUST 3- SEPTEMBER 7 2002 )
1. Introduction
After the success of the first workshops held in Luanda , Angola on the importance and the need
for the management, control and eradication of the small arms in post-conflict Angola there was
a need to extend our activities outside Luanda.
Consequently, the cities of Huambo and Malanje were identified as the next target for various
reasons. This report will therefore consist of two sections dealing with the activities in each
of the two cities. It is also important to mention the both Huambo and Malanje are the provincial
capitals of provinces with similar names.
The province of Huambo is situated in the central highlands of Angola and was the center of major
gun battles throughout the conflict. It has a surface of 34 270km², a total population of
about 1 000 000 (one million) and has eleven municipalities. The central highland also has one
of the most fertile soil in Angola . In contrast the Province of Malanje has approximately a
population of about 900 000 but a larger surface area of 97 602km² and 14 municipalities. Because
of the war the majority of the population are concentrated in the provincial capitals leaving most
of the rural areas largely deserted.
As was the case in Luanda , the main purpose of this visit was to inform participants and the
broader community about the importance of developing an effective small arms program for Angola
and thereafter implement a survey in both cities covering a total of more than two thousand
respondents. Over 80 people, representing a broad range of civil society organizations,
churches, political parties and government attended the two-day public education and awareness
raising workshops in Huambo and Malanje. Unlike in Luanda these events were characterized by a
higher media interest and coverage both within the two cities and nationally. The opening and
closing ceremonies were conducted in a much more formal manner; and were graced with presence
of the Commander of Central Front (Huambo) of FAA ( Armed Forces of Angola) General Jacques
Raul and the Deputy Governor of Malanje, the Bishop of United Methodist Church, Superintendent
Terramoto who is the Director of the Civic and Moral Education Division of the National Police
in Huambo.
This time the delegation to both cities were under the leadership of Matias Capapelo ( Huambo)
and John Rocha ( Malanje). Each delegation consisted of three additional support staff who
were selected from the group of participants trained in Luanda, four representing Angola 2000,
one from the Ministry of Social Re-integration (MINARS) and one from ANDAS ( Ministry of
Former Combatants). We believe that the inclusion of these additional individuals formed part
of the training process and we were encouraged by the positive response from them.
During the opening and closing ceremony a cocktail was served for the VIP Guests and all
participants, including media representative. A total of 120 people attended the opening
and closing ceremonies in Huambo and Malanje.
2. Approach and methodology
The first two days of the awareness-raising workshop was used to inform participants about
the sub-regional, regional and international developments on small arms proliferation. Participants
were briefed in detail about the SADC Protocol on Small Arms and Related Aspects, the Bamako
Declaration and the United Nations Program of Action on Small Arms. The workshop was also used
to inform participants about the importance of developing a national plan of action to
manage, prevent and eradicate the problems of small arms in post conflict Angola . Participants
were also given an opportunity to share their views on the issue and offer their perspectives
on how to address the situation.
The second phase of the workshop focused mainly on training a selected group of community
surveyors who would be responsible for conducting and implementing the survey for the next
five days. A total of thirty two participants were trained and took part in the survey in
the city of Malanje while a total of thirty individuals were trained in the city of Huambo.
Again participants were divided into groups and functioned under the leadership of a team
leader. The team of facilitators then went through the entire questionnaire, assisted
participants in understanding the content of the questionnaires and the reasons for asking
certain questions. Trainees were also made aware of some of the fundamental principles that
govern surveys such as the need for confidentiality and respecting the respondent. With the
exception of the last grid, the entire questionnaire was dealt with easily. The first phase
of the training process was lead by the facilitators, thereafter, participants were given a
new questionnaire and each was tasked with interviewing a member of their respective
groups. This exercise enabled both trainees and facilitators to identify any problem areas
and to take the necessary corrective measures. The last exercise involved two individuals
doing a role-play simulating an interview. Participants were then issued with the necessary
attire, a bag and an identification card.
3. Evaluation and monitoring
As was the case last time, all the questionnaires were numbered, interviewers given
code numbers and allocated a specific number of questionnaires as well as allocated an
area to work for the day.
At the end of the day all questionnaires would be collected and perused by the facilitating
team. Because of the wide media coverage the entire community reacted positively and also
the fact that the questionnaire was easy to understand made the entire process much more
fluid. This made it possible for some of the interviewers to finish their first batch and
collect additional questionnaires before end of the day.
The facilitating teams also spent a considerable amount of time moving from one area to the
next to make sure that the fieldworkers were, in fact, working. This was also done to ensure
that teams were going to the areas allocated to them and not choosing.
4. Activity Report
The fieldworkers were given clear instructions on were to conduct the surveys on a
daily basis and which section of the population should each interviewer focus on. Most
of the survey areas could be reached easily on foot, however, the facilitating team made
sure that the survey was as representative as it could be.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremonies in both cities were much more formal and received a lot of media coverage from
radio, television and the print media. There was also a broader participation then was the case in
Luanda . The opening ceremonies were preceded by the workshop of awareness-raising and the importance
of small arms in post conflict Angola . The opening ceremony was followed immediately by a two-day
workshop on small arms related issues. The discussions covered topics:
- SADC Protocol on Small Arms and Related Aspects
- The Bamako Declaration
- UNPOA
- The Lusaka Protocol
- The Role of Civil Society
- Government/Civil Society Partnerships
- The Importance of Small Arms Control in Post Conflict Angola
- Small Arms Proliferation and Development
A considerable amount of time was also spent on participants' perspectives of the extent of the
small arms problem in Angola . It was clear from the discussions that availability and proliferation
of small arms poses a serious threat to the country's social, economic and political stability.
There was widespread agreement that there were many weapons in civilian possession. While the
population continues to express the desire to hand over their weapons, this willingness comes
with a precondition that they get something in return.
An important outcome of this endeavor is the fact the media continue to make reference of
the work we are doing whenever crimes involving firearms are committed. We have even heard
reports that people have been commenting about our work in taxis and other public places.
Training and Fieldwork (Community Survey)
After the two day workshop on the importance of disarmament and management of small arms in
Angola , a total of 60 participants were trained to conduct the community survey in both
cities. The training took place over a two-day period and proceeded in satisfactory manner.
Over the next five days fieldworkers were dispatched into the community to interview people
and to report back on their experiences. In the meantime the facilitating team from Angola
2000 spent a considerable amount of time talking to the media to explain the content of the
work we are doing and the way forward. Our activities were well covered by the media within
the two provinces, nationally and internationally.
The first day of the fieldwork is always difficult for the fieldworker as one has to deal
with a lot of self-doubt and inexperience by the fieldworkers. As usual once they break the
ice and the community buys into the whole process everything falls into place. We have to
again emphasize that the questionnaires were easy to understand and less complicated to
fill than the ones in Luanda and this, evidently, had an effect on the quality and speed
with which the questionnaires were handed back.
By the 22 nd of August 2002 , all the questionnaires were completed and we had our closing
ceremonies in Huambo and Malanje on the 23 rd August 2002 . Once again the closing ceremonies
were well attended by the public, government officials, political parties representatives,
civil society leaders, religious leaders and the media. Amongst the personalities present
at the closing ceremonies were:
- General Jacques Raul, Commander of the Central Military Region FAA
- Lieutenant General Manuel Luis Domingos Piteu, Deputy Commander of the Central Military Region
- Superintendent Jose Sequeira Geraldo, Provincial Director of Moral and Civic Education-Ministry of Interior (Huambo)
- Deputy Governor of Malanje
- The Bishop of the United Methodist Church
Participants were also issued with certificates in acknowledgement of their support and valued
contribution for the success of the work done. The team from Malanje returned to Luanda on the
24 th August and the team form Huambo returned on the 25 th of August 2002 .
Other Activities
- After returning to Luanda , the delegation held a meeting with the remaining Angola 2000 members
on the 25 th of August 2002 in order to brief the membership of the work done and at the same time
begin to put in place the organizational structures that will enable Angola 2000 to function
efficiently. Many people have expressed the desire to join Angola 2000 and right now we are
busy with a recruiting process.
- Briefing were also held with the following embassies: Great Britain , German, Sweden , European Union , Norway and GTz.
- Interviews were conducted with the following media institutions: Radio Eclesia for one hour,
Radio Nacional de Angola, Public Television of Angola, Jornal de Angola, Jornal Agora and Jornal
A Capital.
- We also held meetings with COIEPA and the Peace Network.
- Meetings were also held with government representatives who have expressed a
willingness for closer cooperation.
5. Recommendations
Participants made the following recommendations:
- Participants were unanimous in recommending that everything be done to mobilize society to bring about lasting peace and to rid society of all illicit weapons. This implied the need to promote a closer cooperation among civil society, political parties and government
- Participants also reiterated that the psychological demilitarization and physical disarmament of the population is a precondition for the consolidation of the peace process. /li>
- Participants also encouraged all concerned to discourage the possession of firearms by civilians and to work towards the development of a national plan of action to deal with the problem.
- The population would like to see an increased number of questionnaires to be made available.
- Participants also called for the establishment of more permanent structures to deal with the small arms debacle. Calls for additional activities focussing on awareness-raising, public education and capacity building were also made.
Participants again reiterated the need for greater civil society involvement on the following aspects:
- Information gathering and research.
- To work in partnership with government to bring about sustainable development. .
- Strengthening of civil society through networks and information sharing.
- To form partnerships with other institutions and individuals.
6. Conclusion
The activities implemented in Luanda , Huambo and Malanje have truly laid a foundation for the
future. The coverage by the media and the ease with which the broader Angolan society, including
government, aligned themselves with the principles of the project is a clear indication of the
levels of acceptance this issue has gained.
Today the issue of small arms and light weapons and the need for a sustainable disarmament
process is no longer taboo. There is widespread recognition that success can only be achieved
through a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.
We furthermore propose that we begin to consider organizing a workshop with government
representatives, namely:
- Ministry of Interior
- Ministry of Defense
- Ministry of Rei-integration and Social Affairs
- Parliamentary Commission on Peace/Security
This meeting would afford us the opportunity to brief role players on what
contributions we can we make to the process.
Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to the following:
- SaferAfrica for your continued support and commitment.
- Irmas Tresianas of the Cacilias Community
- United Methodist Church-Malanje
- The following individuals: Miranda Joao dos Santos, Antonio Gomes da Costa Bula, Antonio
da Costa (Malamba), Amelia Epalanga, Afonso Ngongo, Cristiana Nakale and Justino Damiao.
7. Annexures
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