EU financial support for Angola peace process

Summary: May 29, 2002: € 125 million action plan for Angola to support the peace process (Brussels)

The European Commission has drawn up an action plan to support the people of Angola following the recent signing on 4 April of the peace agreement between the Government and UNITA. A total of €125 million has been identified from the Community budget and the European Development Fund for a wide range of actions including emergency relief, food aid and food security, support for displaced people and returnees, and de-mining operations. Commenting on the action plan, Poul Nielson, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, underlined the European Union's long-standing commitment to the victims of "this often neglected crisis". He continued: "At last, peace is being given a chance. The Commission fully supports the peace process and is offering substantial and practical assistance to tackle the continuing suffering and help in the huge task of reconstruction."

Now that the fighting has ended, enormous needs have been identified among the displaced populations in previously inaccessible areas. It is estimated that there are more than 4 million internally displaced people in the country. Significant humanitarian support will be required for the foreseeable future together with rehabilitation and longer-term development assistance, to assist the most vulnerable sections of the population and consolidate the peace process.

The €125 million package is made up of three major components:

The Action Plan includes €10 million for emergency actions funded through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO). This €10 million is made up of the 2002 Global Plan plus a recently adopted new decision for €2 million concentrating on nutrition and health actions. A number of nutritional emergencies have become apparent and urgent action is needed to avoid loss of life, especially amongst children. ECHO will work with established partners in the nutritional field.
Almost €32 million is being targeted by the Commission's food security unit in the EuropeAid Co-operation Office for operations run by the World Food Programme and various Non Governmental Organizations.
Resources from the seventh and eighth European Development Funds (EDF) totaling €83 million are also being deployed for humanitarian interventions including essential de-mining activities, as well as for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities.

In its activities, the Commission is working closely with UN agencies, the authorities and other donors. This €125 million is made up of money that can be mobilized immediately and in the next few months. The Commission is also working on a medium term strategy in the framework of the ninth EDF where extra money totaling €146 million has been earmarked to support the link between relief, rehabilitation and development in the areas of food security, health, education and good governance.

The Commission has provided substantial funding over the years to Angola worth €790 million for the period 1985 to 2000. Much of this money, more than 60%, has been in the form of humanitarian aid.

Ref: EC02-105EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 29/5/2002

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