Luanda: The former mediator of the Bicesse Accords and former Prime Minister of Portugal, Jos© Manuel Duro Barroso, stated on Tuesday that the 1991 agreement played a decisive role in preserving the unity of the State and in building the democratic process in the country. Speaking at the International Conference on the 35th Anniversary of the 1991 Bicesse Accords, held at the 'VenSncio de Moura' Diplomatic Academy in Luanda, he emphasized that the agreement signed between the Government and UNITA constituted a fundamental step towards ending a critical phase of the armed conflict and opening the way to multiparty politics in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the former mediator stressed that the process allowed for the holding of the first general elections in 1992 and the creation of institutional bases for the consolidation of the democratic rule of law, despite the challenges faced subsequently. He acknowledged, however, that the agreement had limitations in its implementation and that it was not possible to prevent the return of armed conflict after the election, which highlighted the fragility of the peace guarantee mechanisms that existed at the time.
He also referenced the complex international context in which the negotiations took place, marked by the Cold War and the participation of different international actors, emphasizing the role of Portuguese mediation as a facilitator of dialogue between the parties. According to the former mediator, the Bicesse experience demonstrates that the sustainability of peace depends above all on the internal will of the actors involved, more than on the intervention of the great powers.
At the end of his speech, Jos© Duro Barroso paid tribute to the Angolan people, praising the country's journey from the period of conflict to the consolidation of a sovereign, stable state with growing international recognition. Jos© Duro Barroso also participated in the launch of the book dedicated to the Bicesse Accords, the ceremony of which took place this Tuesday, under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also participating in the meeting were the Vice-President of the National Assembly, Arlete Chimbinda, as well as members of the Executive, deputies, diplomats, and academics. The conference included cultural moments and reflections on the lasting impact of the Bicesse Accords, considered a fundamental step on the path to peace achieved in 2002.
