Angola is rich in diamond, oil, iron ore and manganese and copper deposits. With oil being one of its biggest economic contributors, making up 90% of its exports, providing countries such as USA and China with oil. The two major liberation movements, MPLA and UNITA fought not only for power, but for natural resources as well. While both movements use these natural resources to help in the fundings of their political and economical interests, the rest of the citizens in Angola lived in poverty. Due to the rich natural resources available in Angola, UNITA uses these natural resources in bring USA to its side, in helping UNITA in the war against MPLA. UNITA was able to capture several diamond mines in Angola, mainly near areas of Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte province. UNITA use these resources as the main funding for arms and campaigns against MPLA during the civil war. With the natural resources as one of the main fundings for the civil war, both parties were determined in exploiting Angola's diamond and oil resources. UNITA gained about 2/3 of Angola, including natural resources in 1992, and UNITA uses these resources in buying the aid from USA. Due to this, the country's natural resources became an aggravating cause for the 27-year long civil war in …show more content…
If the Portuguese had supervised one last formal election before giving Angola its independence, the major liberation movements in Angola would not have to fight for power. With a formal election, and a government present, the chances of Angola going into civil war is slim as a fixed government is present in governing the country and maintaining peace. Other liberation movements would not have to fight each other for power, instead, they would fight for the opinion of the people during their next general election. Also, the fight for natural resources would not be one of its aggravating causes, in fact it can be one of the factors contributing to the economic growth of Angola, helping Angola to thrive. Lastly, as for ethnic tensions, it can be solved. Withe right governing, the long termed ethnic tensions between the different ethnic groups in Angola can be solved. In fact, with the multi-racial ethnics present in Angola, it can bring about more people together to visit Angola due to Angola's rich cultures. Thus, the sudden departure of the Portuguese is the most important cause for the starting of the civil