“This paper discusses several aspects of failure and resilience in the Angolan state. Reforms in Angola are more a reflection of the need to adapt to change as a means to maintain control of the state. Although the MPLA understands that change is inevitable, and in the past reacted tactically, it now has a strategically oriented state apparatus that strives to control the pace at which change occurs, while guaranteeing party rule
for another 30 years. Luanda, aims to play a larger role in defining the political, economic and security landscape of Southern Africa, in a direct bid to secure its interests and as an alternative to South Africa’s hegemony, while also wanting to be involved in key policy matters on the continent, albeit cautiously. Although Angola’s foreign policy in the past led the government to extend support for other neighbouring regimes to isolate UNITA. Luanda will shift its focus to projecting force to prevent instability from the Great Lakes region threatening its national security.”
