AFRICA/ANGOLA - Appeal for a peaceful campaign for next election in 2006

Luanda (Fides Service)- A National Peace-Builders meeting 12 - 16 September, groups promoted by Caritas Angola to help solve conflict in the country, has launched an appeal to avoid violence and guarantee a peaceful electoral campaign.
Besides the appeal, the participants also formulated resolutions: to promote Peace-Builders groups all over Angola; to hold another meeting of 30 Peace-Builders leaders in Spring 2006. They called on the government to produce a handbook on civic education with the help of various social sectors. They also called on government to provide more assistance for returning refugees. Caritas said it will continue working at all levels to promote national reconciliation through formation and building awareness of the danger of weapons in the hands of civilians. The basis of the formation is a Caritas handbook on peace building and conflict solution.
Next year Angolans will be called to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections. The last election in 1992 was marked by charges of fraud and irregularity. In 1994 UNITA (National Union for Total Independence of Angola) former rebel group which had reached a peace agreement with the government and stood in the elections, rearmed accusing the party in power of conditioning the 1992 elections. After a new peace agreement in 2002 UNITA is back in the political ring hoping to win 2006 elections. But the people still have vivid memories of the past and aware of this the local Catholic community is actively working to reconcile hearts and promote harmony and contribute towards a peaceful campaign and elections. In the past few months at least one person was killed and several more were wounded during various episodes of unrest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/9/2005 righe 37 parole 365)