ANGOLA: EX-FLEC SOLDIERS INCORPORATED INTO ANGOLAN ARMED

UNCLAS LUANDA 000029 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS ¶E. O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PREF PTER AO SUBJECT: ANGOLA: EX-FLEC SOLDIERS INCORPORATED INTO ANGOLAN ARMED FORCES REFTELS: A) 06 Luanda 00864, B) 06 Luanda 00827 ¶1. (U) Summary: On January 6, 2007 the GRA and the Cabindan Forum for Dialogue (FCD) announced the conclusion of the second phase of the peace process outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding for Peace and Reconciliation, which included the full disarmament and demobilization of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) and other organizations under the control of the FCD. The third and final phase, incorporating the appointment of FCD leaders into GRA positions, will follow soon, in accordance with the Memorandum timeline. End Summary. ¶2. (U) At a January 5th, 2007 ceremony marking the destruction of FLEC's military hardware, Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) Chief of Staff General Francisco Furtado announced that FLEC was officially disbanded. He warned that "those who stubbornly continue acts of aggression will be severely dealt with," but stated that the "doors are still open" for those who desire to give up their arms and seek amnesty under the Memorandum. ¶3. (SBU) In accordance with the Memorandum, 728 ex-FLEC soldiers were assigned to new positions (see reftel A). In ceremonies on January 6th, 2007, 113 ex-FLEC soldiers were integrated into the National Police and 615 were incorporated into the FAA. One hundred ninety soldiers were commissioned as officers; a detailed ranks list follows in para 5. In addition, 53 ex-FLEC soldiers were incorporated as reserve officers, including Antonio Bento Bembe, head of the FCD and co-signer of the Memorandum, who received the rank of Lieutenant General, Retired. Note: Bembe has been charged with the kidnapping of an American citizen and is the subject of USG extradition effort. End Note. The next stop for ex-FLEC soldiers will be FAA and Police training facilities. ¶4. (U) COMMENT: By acting within the six-month timeframe established by the memorandum, the GRA and FCD have shown their willingness and capacity to carry out obligations within the accord (see reftel B). However, unconfirmed reports of small, isolated attacks by forces claiming affiliation with the FLEC continue to occur and the GRA acknowledges that some groups remain outside its control. Post has no first-hand knowledge of these alleged attacks, nor has the GRA confirmed any attacks. END COMMENT. ¶5. (U) Expanded list of Ranks of Officers and Enlisted Men incorporated into the FAA: Officer Corps: 2 Lieutenant Generals, 3 Major Generals, 7 Brigadier Generals, 9 Colonels, 5 Lieutenant Colonels, 15 Majors, 31 Captains, 44 Lieutenants, 25 Lieutenants, and 49 Warrant Officers Enlisted Soldiers: 10 Master Sergeants, 57 First Sergeants, 127 Staff Sergeants, 12 Corporals, and 224 Privates EFIRD