Angolan Government signs peace deal with UNITA rebels

The Angolan Government and the UNITA rebel movement have signed a ceasefire aimed at bringing an end to the country’s 27-year-old civil war.

The two sides entered peace talks after government soldiers killed UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi in a gunbattle six weeks ago.

Under the peace plan signed today, UNITA would become a legal political movement and its 50,000 soldiers and their families would be integrated into Angola’s army and civilian life.

According to Portuguese radio, Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos promised to hold elections yesterday, but he did not say when they would take place.

Around 500,000 people have died since the civil war erupted in 1975, after Angola achieved independence from Portugal.

An estimated four million people, one quarter of the country’s population, have been displaced from their homes as a result of the fighting.