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Monday, April 29, 2002 - Web posted at 8:59:04 pm GMT

Refugees to 'wait and see'

DESPITE renewed hopes about the peace prospects for Angola, Angolan refugees at the Osire Camp in Namibia remain sceptical about the recent ceasefire deal between their government and Unita.

Mixed feelings were rife among many of the Angolan refugees The Namibian spoke to at the camp last week about the latest developments in their country of birth.

Said Rudolph Milamba: "I'm personally happy about the peace settlement and I would love to go back to Angola to start a new life there. I am tired of this life.

"People at Osire are not free. There is a drastic restriction of movement and we cannot go and come as we want. I am looking forward to returning to my country of birth."

The 52-year-old Milamba, who arrived in Namibia some five years ago, said he was, however, not sure if the peace accord would work, adding that he is adopting a "wait and see" approach.

He said the Angolan government faces a massive task in restoring stability. In addition, landmines would remain a threat to those who want to cultivate their land.

Josephina Ndjamba, who hails from Calai in southern Angola, said that she did not believe the ceasefire would work as this type of agreement had been dashed before. She pointed out that she had nothing left in Angola to return to.

"I do not trust and believe everything I hear on the radio. I will only believe it if both the government forces and the Unita rebels lay down their weapons completely," she said.

"I think that it is really time that this rivalry comes to an end. It will only be to the benefit of the people of Angola. The army and the rebels must find harmony to work together," she said.

Asked if the death of Unita leader Jonas Savimbi had created an opportunity for peace, the 37-year-old Ndjamba said Unita did not only have one leader and there was always someone ready to go back to war.

Their views were echoed by a number of other refugees.

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