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(Benin /
Ghana / Togo Region)
Angola. The signing of the Lusaka Protocol in November 1994 began a process of reconciliation and reconstruction to end the twenty year conflict that had left the country's infrastructure in ruins, and the countryside infested with landmines. Hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced within Angola or to neighbouring countries. A United Nations peace-keeping force was established to oversee the implementation of the peace agreement. Over the next two and a half years, much was accomplished in terms of opening land transport routes in the country, landmine clearance, demobilisation of soldiers, return of internally displaced people and rebuilding health infrastructure.
However, there has recently been an upsurge in conflict between government forces and UNITA rebels who still control some eastern areas of the country. The destabilisation arose following the return of both Angolan government troops and UNITA rebels from former Zaire. This is the most serious threat to the peace process witnessed to date, and some fear conflict escalation. In response, the United Nations has decided to establish an observer mission that will take over from the existing peace keeping force [DHA 30/06/97, JRS 01/07/97, USAID 15/07/97].
Lawlessness, exacerbated by severe economic conditions is said to prevail in most of the country. Furthermore, the opening of roads for peacekeeping and humanitarian purposes is hindered by thousands of land mines, numerous destroyed bridges and a lack of security in many parts of the country side. The quartering and demobilisation process that was originally scheduled to be completed in six months is now in its twenty second month.
This renewed fighting has led to fresh population displacements and disrupted resettlement
programmes. For example, there are reports of population movements in Lunda Sul and Lunda
Norte. Reports of newly displaced people arriving in N'Zaji, Lunda Norte in June showed 10.1% wasting with 3.6% severe wasting (see Annex I (1a)). Emergency food aid was rapidly airlifted in to the camps. Since the survey, people have continued to arrive and the displaced population is now estimated at 9,500 [CWS 04/09/97,
MSF-H 17/07/97, WFP 04/07/97, 05/09/97].
In Malange, a recent survey showed 2.3% wasting with 0.4% severe wasting (see Annex I (1b)). This is comparable to a survey carried out in July 1996, when wasting was measured at 3.8%. However, an influx of internally displaced people fleeing violence in UNITA held areas continues [DHA 30/06/97, WFP 22/08/97].
There are reports of a measles outbreak in Ambaca, Kwanza Norte province, which is still under UNITA control. It is further reported that children are dying everyday. This current situation is exacerbated by the fact that:
'Ambaca had been cut off from the outside world by the civil war, and most of the children and adults there were malnourished. They have no seeds or tools; and although the area is very fertile, they grow only cassava, which has little nutritional value.
Ambaca had been cut off from the outside world by the civil war, and most of the children and adults there were malnourished. They have no seeds or tools; and although the area is very fertile, they grow only cassava, which has little nutritional value.' [WV 12/08/97].
By the end of August, the outbreak was reportedly under control after an intensive immunisation programme [WV 03/09/97].
There are also reports of the arrival of Rwandan and Burundi refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC). Approximately 1,600 refugees are in Luau in Moxico Province, and a rapid assessment revealed 34% wasting with 11% severe wasting (see Annex I (1c)). A health post has been opened and therepeutic feeding has begun. In addition, the water supply has been increased, and sanitation facilities have improved [WFP 08/08/97].
Despite the increase in insecurity, almost 4,000 spontaneous returnees were registered in May 1997, and 3.000 in July [DHA 30/06/97, WFP 05/09/97].
Cereal production is forecast at 14% lower than last years good harvest while other crops, particularly root and tuber production is estimated to be normal. Food aid is currently needed for at least 942,000 internally displaced and war-affected people, vulnerable groups, returnees and demobilised soldiers and their families [DHA 30/06/97, FAO 12/05/97]. This number could be higher, depending on the extent of population displacement caused by the recent fighting in the eastern parts of the country.
Overall, those in N'Zaji, Lunda Norte along with the Rwandan and Burundi refugees in Luau are at heightened risk due to elevated levels of wasting (category I in Table 1). The remainder of the population requiring emergency assistance can be considered to be at moderate risk (category IIb in Table 1) due to the recent upsurge in violence.
Ongoing Interventions: Access remains a problem in some areas. When these areas become accessible, emergency conditions are often found to exist. Agencies require resources to be able to respond rapidly to this type of situation. Trypanosomiasis prevention efforts are continuing and must be supported with resources. Measles immunisation activities must continue throughout the country. There is also a need for additional funding for the refugee repatriation operation.
Specifically, in Ambaca, Kwanza Norte province there is an urgent need for seeds and agricultural inputs to help the population diversify their existing cassava based diet. Emergency feeding programmes should be set up for Rwandan and Burundi refugees arriving in Luau, Moxico province, amongst whom wasting rates are reportedly extremely high.
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