Retrospect: Armed Forces Bets On Modernization in 2003

Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
NEWS
January 5, 2004
Posted to the web January 5, 2004
Luanda
The Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), established under the Bicesse accord signed on
May the 31st, 1991, in Portugal, and which emerges from the fusion between
Government forces (FAPLA) and UNITA armed forces (FALA), have in 2003 betted on
its reorganisation and modernization, as a way of meeting the challenges of the
future.
This process was consolidated by the Lwena Memorandum of Understanding, which
came to reinforce the capacity of cohesion of the FAA, with the start of a new
peace era, in which all Angolans are called to give their contribution.
This development was reinforced with the nomination, in July, of the new FAA
Chief-of-Staff, the Army General Agostinho Nelumba "Sanjar", who is the main
masterminder of the ongoing restructuring process.
Following his nomination, General Sanjar held visits to the three FAA wings,
namely the Air force (FAN), the Navy and the Army, to the military regions and
main barracks, where he got acquainted with the problems afflicting all these
sectors.
In the structures and zones visited by that top army officer, it was noticeable
the readiness to contine improving the organisation and skills of troops and
enhance their operational, combative, educational and patriotic capacity, in
order to be ready for the fulfilment of any mission.
In times of peace, it has been noticed the participation of the Armed Forces in
actions of social character intended for the development of Angola. They
participated in the process of rehabilitation and construction of various
infrastructures, as well as in campaigns of vaccination and eradication of
illeteracy.
According to pronouncements by the respective Chiefs-of-Staff the three wings
of the Angolan Armed Forces had positive performance in 2003.
The Angolan Navy (MGA) is currently in better conditions to ensure defence and
protection of national waters, after the creation of its new organic structure,
according to its top chief Admiral Feliciano dos Santos "Paxe".
When balancing the activities developed in 2003, Admiral "Paxe" referred that
MGPA does not intend to be the only actor in the sea, but cooperate with other
institutions and public services that works in it, in the framework of the
maritime authority.
He indicated that, last year, and following the implementation of the peace
process, the MGA devoted special attention to its development and
reorganisation in order to create fine working conditions.
He added that 2004 will be decisive for the materialization of his project of
creation and equipping of infrastructures capable of ensuring the minimum of
functionality.
On his turn, FAN Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Pedro Neto expressed happiness with the
performance of the sector in 2003, because, as he put it, his effectives have
fulfilled the superior orders they had been assigned to.
He acknowledged the difficulties the troops have been facing and, in a way of
balance, affirmed that, in the last 12 months, were produced chronograms
adjusted in accordance with the current time of peace, which are to be
accomplished during this year and in the following ones.
With regard to the operational plan, he said to be notorious the substantial
reduction of the air force, as result of the end of the war.
He also indicated that something was done to improve work and living standards
of troops, but more efforts will be developed in future.
The National Army is also happy with the performance of its members and
promised to work this year in the implementation of programs which were not
accomplished in 2003.
Similarly to other wings, he said his sector will dedicate special attention to
the betterment of the living conditions of soldiers.

   

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