20 dead in ambush by Angolan rebels

Twenty people were killed, 12 were injured and scores went missing on Friday in an ambush near the northern town of Cacuso, some 400 km northeast of the capital Luanda, the state-run ‘Jornal de Angola’ reported on Tuesday. Quoting the newspaper, AFP reported that UNITA rebels ambushed a convoy of trucks carrying merchandise and at least 60 passengers, mostly traders and peasants. According to the report, the newspaper said many people were still missing after the attack, but did not publish exact figures. Original reports had put the death toll at six and no official figures were released by authorities. The report said UNITA had stepped up attacks in recent weeks, in spite of several indications that it might be willing to reopen ceasefire negotiations. In the meantime, AP reported that the Angolan government reacted coolly on Tuesday to an appeal by UNITA head Jonas Savimbi for reconciliation, saying the leader should lay down his arms before talks could begin. In a letter made public on Sunday, Savimbi appealed to Roman Catholic church leaders to help draw the government into talks aimed at ending the country’s 26-year civil war. However, Internal Administration Minister Fernando Santos said Savimbi must stop fighting and resume compliance with a collapsed 1994 peace deal before reconciliation can begin. Catholic church leaders had not responded to Savimbi’s letter by Tuesday night.