Angola: A Blood-Bonded Ally in Namibia’s Liberation Story

As head of state and chief diplomat, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah embarked on her first foreign trip to Southern African Development Community member states in May, visiting Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

Significantly, her first stop was Angola – Namibia’s northern neighbour and its first diplomatic recognition at independence.

Beyond strengthening bilateral ties, the visit held deep symbolic weight. Namibia’s relations with Angola are quite literally engraved in blood, given Angola’s role in Namibia’s liberation struggle and its sacrifices in support of our independence.

Angola hosted both Namibian civilians fleeing the apartheid regime and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan), the armed wing of Swapo. This made Angola a key battleground during the South African Border War, as it became a base for resistance and a target for South African attacks. Angolan civilians and soldiers alike lost their lives in defence of Namibia’s liberation.

Angola’s unwavering support – alongside that of Cuban revolutionary forces and the former Soviet Union – made it a geopolitical threat to apartheid South Africa. The destabilisation of Angola, including the rise of Jonas Savimbi’s National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita), was inextricably linked to efforts to crush Namibia’s independence movement.

After independence, Namibia played a role in Unita’s defeat and the death of Savimbi in 2002. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to begin her regional tour in Luanda is thus a powerful acknowledgement of Angola’s sacrifices and an expression of deep gratitude to the Angolan people.

Today, Namibia and Angola maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties. Cross-border trade and movement have increased steadily. In 2023, the two countries agreed to cooperate in the oil and gas sectors – positioning Angola, a seasoned oil producer, as a key partner in Namibia’s emerging industry.

Historic water agreements on the Kunene River, originally signed by the colonial governments of South Africa and Portugal, were renewed in 1990. Angola has consistently honoured these agreements, never using water as political leverage.

There have been no border disputes or military tensions since independence. The relationship remains one of mutual respect, solidarity and shared purpose.

Namibians and Angolans – not only political leaders – should continue to nurture this bond rooted in liberation, ideology and brotherhood.

• Ricky Simasiku

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