Unita dissidents take their seats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LUANDA (Reuter) - Dissident Unita members defied their leader Jonas Savimbi yesterday and took their seats in parliament in a sign of a split in Angola's rebel movement.
The decision by 10 of the 70 Unita deputies elected in last September's polls followed increasing criticism by some leaders of the movement of the renewed civil war that has erupted since Mr Savimbi refused to accept defeat in the election. The dissidents said they opposed the resumption of the war. 'We are choosing peace and dialogue over war and are going to fulfil our democratic duties,' said Unita's shadow interior minister, Honorio van Dunem. 'But this does not mean we are leaving Unita,' he added.
The armed forces spokesman, Jose Manuel, said heavy fighting continued between government and Unita forces in Huambo, Angola's second city, which has been devastated in the recent fighting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments