Cabinda between ‘no peace’ and ‘no war’ Jean-Michael Mabeko-Tali (2004) Since Angolan independence a separatist movement has opposed the government in the oil-rich enclave of Cabinda. Jean-Michael Mabeko-Tali argues that to understand this persistent violent conflict one must analyse the enclave’s colonial history, local socio-economic and identity issues and the impact of oil. The article describes the creation of a Cabindan identity, the separatist movement’s many divisions and relationship to the two Congos. It examines talks between the parties and how first the government’s insistence on dialoguing with a non-existent unified interlocutor has prevented any real progress. The policy of delaying talks because of apparent disunity whilst pursuing a military strategy may further radicalize the enclave and heighten regional instability.
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