Cabinda separatists call for armed uprising against Angolan presence

Cabinda is a small enclave located to the north of Angola and separated from it by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Historically, the region’s distinct identity was recognized in the Treaty of Simulambuco in 1885, in which it was deemed a Portuguese protectorate.

After Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975, Cabinda became a disputed territory, with many of its inhabitants feeling more culturally and historically distinct from Angola.

This sense of separate identity and the region’s vast oil wealth has fueled the push for independence or greater autonomy.

In recent developments, the Cabinda separatist organization has urged for an armed uprising against the Angolan presence in the region.

In an official statement by spokesperson Jean Claude Nzita, the Liberation Front of the State of Cabinda (FLEC) has emphasized its commitment to resisting Angolan authority and influence in Cabinda.

The statement further invites all of its supporters to participate in this uprising in cities and villages.

The message also encourages those without military resources to practice civil disobedience toward the Angolan administration in Cabinda.

For years, FLEC has advocated for Cabinda’s independence, citing historical arguments about the region’s status.

Notably, a significant portion of Angola’s oil comes from this territory.

On the other hand, the Angolan government often downplays any incidents or unrest in the northern province of Cabinda and emphasizes the country’s territorial integrity.