The return of peace to Angola, when the two warring parties, the ruling MPLA and the opposition UNITA, signed a ceasefire agreeing to internationally supervised general elections, was hailed as a breakthrough for Africa where a number of civil wars are taking place.
The refusal, however, by UNITA leader, Jonas Savimbi, to accept the election results before they were even announced, although it was apparent he had lost, has therefore been a major setback.
It has put into question the genuineness of opposing groups that claim to be fighting for democracy because it appears to them democracy means them taking over power even against the people’s wishes.
Analysts argue that Savimbi would have won considerable political capital if he had accepted the results as they were and vowed to work within the system- that is by waiting for the next general elections- to ensure his party wins. They argue that it is now President Jose Eduardo dos Santos who has won international respect by showing that he is prepared to accommodate Savimbi to ensure there is peace in his country.
There are strong indications that Mozambique is closely watching the Angolan example. There were even reports that Renamo leader, Afonso Dlakama, delayed his trip to Rome to sign the ceasefire agreement because he wanted to see how Savimbi was fairing.
The result was not very encouraging and it would appear Dlakama was forced to sign the agreement by his financial backers. If this was the case,and in view of the results of the Angolan elections,there are now major questions as to whether the Mozambican peace will last, and if so, for how long.
Renamo, which used to enjoy some support, lost its political base in the remote areas because of the drought. What if it rains? Will the situation be the same?
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