Battle of Cuito Cuanavale
Cuito Cuanavale, Cuando Cubango Province, Angola
What happened
Angolan government forces (FAPLA) and Cuban troops fought the South African Defence Force and the Angolan rebel movement UNITA. In 1987, during Angola's civil war and the Cold War, the Angolan army advanced to attack UNITA's stronghold, but South African and UNITA forces stopped it at the Lomba River. They then surrounded the Angolan forces holding out near the town of Cuito Cuanavale, in southeastern Angola, with Cuban support. Six South African and UNITA attacks failed, and they withdrew in March 1988.
Why it matters
Result: South Africa and UNITA defeat a major FAPLA offensive towards Mavinga , inflicting heavy casualties on FAPLA and preserving UNITA's control of southern Angola. Remaining. Leaders: Arlindo Pena Ben-Ben / Abreu Kamorteiro against António França / Pyotr Gusev. Why it matters: Both sides claimed victory. Some credit the battle with leading to the peace talks that ended foreign involvement in Angola and brought independence to Namibia.
What came next
In December 1988 Angola, Cuba and South Africa signed the Tripartite Accord in New York, agreeing on Cuban withdrawal from Angola and independence for Namibia. Namibia became independent in March 1990.
Did you know?
Nelson Mandela later called the battle a turning point for the liberation of his continent and his people.
Timeline
- 14 August 1987The fighting begins.
- 1987South African and UNITA forces halt the Angolan advance at the Lomba River.
- 23 March 1988South African and UNITA forces withdraw.
- 22 December 1988The Tripartite Accord is signed in New York.
- March 1990Namibia becomes independent.