23rd March 2016 - Angola: Cabinda province
Angola: Cabinda province: Clashes, rebel warning highlights continued risks posed by secessionist violence
The armed rebel Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda- Armed Forces of Cabinda (FLEC-FAC) group, an offshoot of The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), on 21 March issued a statement urging ‘all Western expatriates to provisionally leave Cabinda due to intense fighting'.
FLEC-FAC stated that clashes occurred in Cabinda between its forces and the army on 29 February, 13 and 16 March, and advised tourists and non-residents to avoid travel to the northern exclave due to the possibility of future security incidents. The authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the alleged attacks. We continue to advise that travel to Cabinda requires pre-travel itinerary- and profile-specific threat assessment.
Travel Briefing
FLEC is divided into a number of factions, some of which have demonstrated the capability to independently stage attacks. FLEC-FAC, the most active military wing of FLEC, on 18 February announced that it would resume the insurgency against the central government in Luanda as a result of the lack of progress in peace talks. The announcement followed a number of unconfirmed attacks on 2-12 February by insurgents in Massabi and Buco Zau, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least eight security force members and one alleged FLEC-FAC fighter.
The majority of Angola's oil is extracted in the province of Cabinda, which is one of the main factors contributing to the conflict. While some of the rebel groups operating in the exclave are demanding a greater share of oil revenue, others are calling for outright independence. The associated risks of travelling in Cabinda are likely to be primarily incidental, stemming from exposure to occasional skirmishes between the security forces and FLEC-FAC elements. However, given previous incidents and FLEC's long-standing grievances over the extractive industry's presence in the exclave, the direct targeting of foreign personnel and assets cannot be ruled out.
FLEC-FAC will continue to present a residual security threat. While travel to MEDIUM risk areas of Cabinda can continue with standard security precautions, members travelling to the HIGH risk north-east areas should seek professional security support and conduct overland movements in a convoy where possible due to the potential for insurgent activity along remote roads.
Background
FLEC was established in 1963 following a merger of three separatist organisations – the Movement for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, the Action Committee of the Cabinda National Union and the Mayombe National Alliance. The group and its factions previously carried out attacks against foreign business premises and oil installations in Cabinda and have abducted foreign employees based in the region. A peace agreement between the government and the separatist group was signed in 2006, though attacks and threats targeting foreign personnel and assets have occurred periodically since.
Travel Advice Summary
- Travel to MEDIUM risk areas of Cabinda province can continue with standard security precautions and requires pre-travel itinerary- and profile-specific threat assessment.
- Travel to HIGH risk north-east areas requires enhanced security precautions and professional security support. Travel to Beliz and Bucozau municipalities should be for business-critical purposes only.
- Road journeys should only be undertaken during daylight hours and in convoy where possible, utilising assistance from a local security provider and by implementing a robust journey management plan.
- Exercise high levels of vigilance and be alert to any obstacles on the road or suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, turn around and return to a known secure area.
- Visit our Angola pages for further advice and information regarding travel to the country, and contact your nearest Assistance Centre for itinerary- and profile-specific queries.