Angola

 

ADF conducted two programs funded by USAID in Angola: the $1.1 million Increased Citizen’s Participation (ICP) project from 1998-2000 and the $1.25 million Citizens Participation Initiative from 2004-2006. 

 

Decades of civil war in Angola had not only divided the country and destroyed critical infrastructure, but had also impeded Angolans from making the advances in political and social development that had taken place elsewhere in southern Africa. Centralized government, weakened local institutions, poverty and a disenfranchised population were part of the conflict’s legacy.

 

The end of hostilities provided a window of opportunity not only to start rebuilding infrastructure and developing economic activity, but also to begin the transition to democracy and good governance. While a series of regional, bilateral and multilateral initiatives worked to promote democratic governance within national level government and civil society, it was also essential that work begin at the local level to educate and inform Angolans on issues related to this new form of governance

 

The legacy of war had a serious negative impact on Angola’s civil society. Most Angolans were politically disenfranchised and economically marginalized. There were large numbers of refugees and displaced persons. An entire generation grew up knowing nothing but war and the struggle to survive. The concept of “citizenship” in a modern democracy was unknown. In addition, most Angolan civil society organizations (CSOs) had weak organizational structures and management capacities, and little understanding of the processes and techniques of working to resolve problems and influence governmental decision-making. Public understanding and support is also low.

 

An important prerequisite to Angola’s future democracy is the development of an active and engaged citizenry who exercise control over their lives through participation in the decisions that affect them individually and collectively. The absence of armed conflict and presence of opposition political parties is no guarantee that citizens will acquire the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for them to participate effectively. What is required to bring about such significant change is the growth and development of a vibrant civil society.