| Cabinda: Angolan Head of State and Portuguese President Addressed |
| Monday, 09 March 2009 | |
 The National Council of the People of Cabinda have addressed the Angolan Head of State and the Portuguese President to voice their concerns and aspirations.The National Council of the People of Cabinda have addressed the Angolan Head of State and the Portuguese President. It was seen as an opportunity for the people of Cabinda to voice their concerns and aspirations for the future. During the address it was recognised that the freedom secured by Angola in 1975 is beginning to ‘bear some fruits’, but this had not been reflected in Cabinda.
The effect of Angola’s military campaign in Cabinda was highlighted, with repression escalating and human rights abuses increasing. Portugal was called upon to fulfill its legal responsibility to Cabinda that resulted from the Treaty of Simulambuco (1885), citing their inactivity to date as cause for concern. As a result of the people of Cabinda being denied human rights there were strong calls for them to be given the right to self-determination, considered a fundamental principle within international law. Both Portugal and Angola were implored to persuade and engage one another to explore the amicable ways to rescue the State of Cabinda. The address acknowledged that the Cabindan people firmly believe that the conflict can be resolved by peaceful means. They have, through FLEC, continued to call for dialogue and the appointment of an international interlocutor to give voice to the aims and aspirations of the people of Cabinda. The address also argued that ‘the attitude of the Head of State and government of Angola proves the unwillingness of and absence of seriousness in opening the corridors of peace and prosperity in Cabinda.’ In closing, Albert Steyn, a very eminent jurist, provides a clear perspective when he says, “We can’t solve problems using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”. If you wish to read the full transcript of this address please click here |
Tags: image de consultant international pour les Droits de l'homme au Cabinda, Justino Da Oliveira Bango, Nkoto Likanda (FLEC), Service de renseignement cabindais, SRC
