Cabinda rebels step up attacks

Unable to win international recognition of their cause, Cabinda separatists have stepped up attacks this month on government positions in the oil-rich northern enclave, diplomatic sources told IRIN. Last week the main secessionist group, FLEC-Renovada, released four foreign hostages they had been holding since March. The kidnappings failed to gain the international attention the group was seeking, or a commitment by Luanda to negotiate over the independence of the enclave. Instead, the separatists settled for ransom money to buy arms to escalate their rebellion, the sources said. FLEC reportedly recently raided Cabinda Gulf Oil installations in Malongo and warned that all foreigners working in the enclave were a target. The Angolan government has also accused FLEC of the kidnapping and forced recruitment of over 200 youths. At the end of March, Cabinda Governor Amaro Tazi said that in his opinion negotiations between the government and Cabindans over the political status of the enclave were inevitable. However, according to Luanda-based diplomats, the "numerous factions" within FLEC complicate any attempts at dialogue. Luanda's concern at setting a precedence in acknowledging separatist agitation could also be behind the government's hesitation, the diplomats said. But they added Angola's draft constitution under debate might take note of the aspirations of the people in Cabinda. Meanwhile, UNITA rebel leader Jonas Savimbi has reportedly called for talks with his Cabinda rebel counterparts. Along with FLEC, UNITA has intensified its military activities in the enclave.