1.      Genesis.          The Angolan crisis was inextricably linked to the neighboring countries of Angola; Namibia and other South African countries. Namibia was initially a German colony. In 1920, however, South Africa received the League of Nations mandate to govern Namibia. Inevitably, in accordance with South African policies, apartheid was introduced in Namibia. In reaction to these policies, Namibians formed the South West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. SWAPO began gaining ground in the late 1970s and active support to SWAPO was provided by Angolan Government, which also provided a covert conduit for foreign weapons shipments from countries to include Cuba. The active intervention of Cuba and South Africa led to a conflict in Angola; with both countries deploying troops in Angola.

2.      UNAVEM I.         On 22 December 1988, an agreement ending the Namibian civil war was signed between the governments of Angola, Cuba and South Africa. The agreement provided for the implementation of a UN plan for the independence of Namibia, the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola, and measures to achieve peace in the region. Angola and Cuba also signed an agreement on the staged and total withdrawal of approximately 50,000 Cuban troops from Angola, which was a condition for South Africa's acceptance of the independence plan for Namibia. UNAVEM I was established to monitor the withdrawal of Cuban Forces from Angola.

3.      UNAVEM II.        In 1990, there were inputs that Cuban troops had surreptitiously reoccupied areas which they were supposed to have vacated in Angola. However, on 25 May 1991, the Cuban authorities reported completion of withdrawal of their troops from Angola. On 30 May 1991, in accordance with the terms of the peace negotiations, the UN Security Council established UNAVEM II and assumed more complex political and military responsibilities to include observing the conduct of free and fair elections in Angola.

4.     UNAVEM III.       In order to bring peace and stability in Angola, the Government of Angola and rebel forces signed a series of protocols on 20 November 1994 in Lusaka. UN established UNAVEM - III in February 95 with the mandate of implementation of protocols, supervise, control and verify the disengagement of forces, monitor the ceasefire, ensure demobilsation of armed groups and complete the political transition.

5.     UNOMA.    On 30 June 1997, the UN Security Council terminated UNAVEM III, and replaced it with a much smaller UN Observer Mission under Chapter VI mandate. UNOMA was mandated to supervise the implementation of the remaining provisions of the Lusaka Accord and also with a mandate of maintaining peace and building national reconciliation. However, the national reintegration process was stalled due to reluctance of the principal rebel group, UNITA to join the process.

6.     Contributions.    India contributed eight military observers each to UNAVEM-I and UNAVEM II. The Indian contribution in UNAVEM III was significant and a contingent consisting of one Infantry Battalion, Engineer Company, Mechanized Infantry Company and Staff Officers/ Observers was deployed. The Indian contingent played a significant role in monitoring and implementation of the protocols and provided relief to the war torn population. India contributed one Mechanized Infantry Task Force and observers to UNOMA. The Mechanized Infantry Task Force was repeatedly called into action and provided support for delivery of humanitarian assistance. In one of the most challenging circumstances, the troops of the contingent were surrounded and held hostage for two months by UNITA. The Indian troops refused to surrender and survived on meager rations and supplies. The determination of the hostages not to give in and the mounting international pressure for their release convinced UNITA of the futility of their actions and the Indian troops were released. During entire duration of conduct of peacekeeping duties in Angola, Indian contingents displayed a very high standard of discipline and professional conduct. This conduct contributed towards creating and sustaining a positive Indian image and instilled a sense of respect and admiration amongst other participating countries.