The Angolan Civil War was a long and devastating conflict that lasted from 1975 to 2002.

The
war was fought between the ruling party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola
(MPLA), and two opposition groups, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
(UNITA) and the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA).

The conflict had its roots in the struggle for independence from Portugal, which was achieved in
1975. After independence, the MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA continued to battle for control of the
country, leading to a civil war that lasted for more than two decades. The war was fueled by a
variety of factors, including competition for control of the country's abundant natural resources,
regional and ethnic rivalries, and external support from Cold War powers.

Throughout the war, the MPLA received support from the Soviet Union, Cuba, and other
communist countries, while UNITA received support from South Africa and the United States.
The involvement of these external powers only served to prolong the conflict, as they supplied
their respective allies with weapons and other resources.

The war had a devastating impact on the Angolan people, causing widespread death and
destruction. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed, while many others were forced to flee
their homes and become refugees. The conflict also disrupted the country's economy, causing
widespread poverty and hindering its development.

The war officially ended in 2002, when UNITA's leader, Jonas Savimbi, was killed in combat.
Following his death, the remaining UNITA forces surrendered and a peace agreement was
signed, bringing the conflict to a close. Since then, Angola has made significant progress in its
post-war recovery and reconstruction, although the country still faces many challenges,
including corruption, poverty, and a lack of infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Angolan Civil War was a long and devastating conflict that had a profound
impact on the country and its people. While the country has made significant progress in the
years since the conflict ended, much work remains to be done to fully heal the wounds of the
war and ensure a stable and prosperous future for Angola.