(Rapaport…January 7, 2003) The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) has apologized for the civil war in Angola through its secretary for political affairs, Abilio Camalata Numa. Numa said over state radio that UNITA “assumes” many lives were lost in the long conflict, the government press agency reported. The war was funded at least in part by diamonds illegally mined by UNITA, leading to sanctions against trade with the rebel group. The embargo was only recently lifted.
“UNITA made the war and assumes much of the errors produced during the armed conflict, because many lives were lost and nobody can pay for a life,” Numa said. “We beg your pardon for the war period that happened in this country since 1975.”