USAID/OTI Angola Field Report
August 2004
Program Description
The OTI program in Angola was initiated in February 2003 to support the renewed opportunity for a lasting peace and increased democracy following the end of forty years of violent conflict. OTI is providing support in three areas: strengthening civil society advocacy capacity; strengthening media; and increasing local-level engagement between citizens and authorities in order to address community problems. OTI’s primary implementing partner is Creative Associates, International (CAII) and the FY 2004 budget is approximately $2.8 million. OTI’s program will close September 30, 2004 and all programmatic activities have now been completed. This will be the final monthly report.
Country Situation
On August 25, Angolan government media announced that the MPLA has proposed that national elections take place in September 2006, following one month of campaigns. This is a positive development, and most analysts seem optimistic that this announcement in official news sources represents a firm commitment on the part of the government to hold elections. UNITA and other opposition party officials continue to disagree with key components of the MPLA’s proposed elections time table, including the MPLA’s insistence that the Constitutional reform process be completed prior to elections. Opposition members walked out of this process in May citing the lack of progress on establishing a clear elections timetable. With a date now established, negotiations are underway for them to return to the Constitutional reform process and discussions are reported to be taking place on other elections planning issues as well
Hina Jilani, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, visited Angola during August. Ms. Jilani met with high level government offi-cials and visited a number of sites in the field, including a two-day visit to Cabinda province, where low level, armed conflict continues between rebel secessionists and government military forces. She will present her findings in a report to the UN Commission on Human Rights in March, 2005. During her visit, Ms. Jilani praised the Angolan government for making some progress on human rights. However, she stressed that more remains to be done; in particular she emphasized the importance of expanding engagement with civil society and strengthening the capacity of the judicial system. She also cited the continued presence of government troops in Cabinda province as an ongoing source of citizen insecurity and a factor in the continued human rights violations occurring there.
Exxon Mobil stated that production on the Kizomba A oilfield has begun. The site is the largest deepwater development in offshore West Africa, with oil reserves estimated at one billion barrels of crude oil. Construction of Kizomba B by Esso (Exxon affiliate) and Sonangol (Angola’s state oil company) is also underway, with the first production expected by 2006. Angola, Africa’s third largest oil producer, expects to double its oil production by 2008. Expectations of a dramatic increase in Angolan oil production during the next few years is already stimulating increased debate and discussion about transparency and accountability in the management and administration of oil revenues, which account for at least 80% of Angola’s national budget.
UN-sponsored refugee repatriations continued during August, including airlifts of refugees from western Zambia. The UNHCR hopes to help 40,000 Angolans return home by the end of this year.
On August 16, Ambassador Cynthia Efird arrived in Angola to assume her post as U.S. Ambassador to Angola. She received her credentials on August 27.
USAID/OTI Highlights
A. Narrative Summary
OTI’s Angola program will close on September 30, 2004, and as of August 31, all programmatic activities have been completed. Creative Associates is focusing primarily on administrative tasks related to the closure of its office in Angola.
B. Grants Activity Summary
| Media Strengthening |
$0 |
$ 125,356 |
0 |
5 |
| Civil Society Advocacy Capacity |
$0 |
$1,142,588 |
0 |
30 |
| Citizen Engagement with Local Authorities |
$0 |
$ 632,801 |
0 |
15 |
TOTAL
(August 2004) |
$0 |
$1,900,745 |
0 |
50 |
NEXT STEPS/IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
During September, Creative Associates will work closely with local staff and grantees on all pending close-out matters. A final evaluation will be conducted in September with final financial review expected to take place in October.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: Angela Martin at 202-712-5434, amartin@usaid.gov
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