liberation support movement

interview on angola

//

,I

commander andmember of mpla comite director

SPARTACUS MONIMAMBU

movimento popular de liberta~ao de angola

35¢

PREPARED AND PRINTED BY LSM INFORMATION CENTER,JUNE 1970. photos by Karen Engstrom/R.Harvey

liberation SUPPOIi

interview on ang

SPARTACUS M

This interview with Sparin Dar es Salaam, TanzaLSM member Don Barnett.appeared in the GuardianMay 4 and 11 1968 underated Areas of Angola".)

Commander Spartacus Monilin the Zaire disctrict acompleting Form III, he 11received military trainilAlgeria. He has beenguerri-la forces in the 1front was opened on May :is on the MPLA Central Ccthe four-man Presidentia:

liberation support movement

interview on angola

SPARTACUS MONIMAMBU

35t

BY LSM INFORMATION CENTER,y Karen Engstrom/R.Harvey

This interview with Spartacus Monimambu was tapedin Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 21 March 1968 byLSM member Don Barnett. (Parts of the interviewappeared in the Guardian issues of April 27 andMay 4 and 11 1968 under the title, "In the Liber­ated Areas of Angola".)

Commander Spartacus Monimambu, aged 28, was bornin the Zaire disctrict of northern Angola. Aftercompleting Form III, he left Angola and eventuallyreceived military training in Ghana, Morocco andAlgeria. He has been a Commander of MPLA'sguerri-la forces in the Eastern Region since thatfront was opened on May 18, 1966. Currently heis on the MPLA Central Committee and a member ofthe four-man Presidential Commission.

Popular Militia members meet MPLA guerrillas and cadres (CommanderMonimambu, center)

ILSM: As Military Commandelgion, how do you happen toSalaam at this time?

MONIMAHBU: I came here f~

I was wounded in the baclbullet. It started on 18The Portuguese came from L~

filled with troops. Theyabout 300 men, and c.ame tobase. to destroy it if theganized our own defensive ~

tions. We sent many groupand started to fight them ,LUfigi River. There werebefore they approached ourready very tired when theythe 23rd. They had six pl~

all day from morning till I

used mortars, firing 42 rOIand bazookas -- but these I

mage. They found us in tr~

penetrate the base. When·meter, about 150 yards awa,They met such a strong res:away, returning to their Cl

pIe were killed. I was higed under my skull in the 1others received light WOUIed inside for two months 0]

we carried out two attacksChilemba. When we came balchief representative to beWhen I was wounded I wentingj I couldn't read or wr:treatment inside but here :Aga Khan Hospital, the bul:doctors confirmed that I WIto dying. But fortunately

LA guerrillas and cadres (Commander

LSM: As Military Commander of the Eastern Re­gion, how do you happen to be here in Dar esSalaam at this time?

MONIMAMBU: I came here for medical treatment.I was wounded in the back of the. head by abullet. It started on 18 October, last year.The Portuguese came from Lumbala With 25 trucksfilled with troops. They had two companies,about 300 men, and c.ame to attack our principalbase, to destroy it if they could. But we or ­ganized our own defensive and offensive opera­tions. We sent many groups ahead to stop themand started to fight them when they reached theLufigi River. There were at least seven fightsbefore they approached our base. They were al­ready very tired when they reached the place onthe 23rd. They had six planes dropping bombsall day from morning till evening. They alsoused mortars, firing 42 rounds into the base,and bazookas -- but these didn't cause much da­mage. They found us in trenches and couldn'tpenetrate the base. When they reached the peri­meter, about 150 yards away, we fought back.They met such a strong resistance that they ranaway, returning to their camps. None of our peo­ple were killed. I was hit by a bullet which lod­ged under my skull in the back of the head. Twoothers received light wounds. After that I stay­ed inside for two months organizing things. andwe carried out two attacks against Lumbala andChilemba. When we came back I was called by ourchief representative to be treated here outside.When I was wounded I went two weeks Without see­ing; I couldn't read or write. I received sometreatment inside but here in Dar es Salaam. at theAga Khan Hospital. the bullet was removed. Thedoctors confirmed that I was very lucky, and nearto dying. But fortunately I'm still alive and

ready to go back to Angola and fightagain.

LSM: MPLA opened its 3rd Front in the EasternRegion in May 1966. What was the purpose ofopening this new front -- in addition to thetwo already established in Cabinda and north­ern Angola -- and what have you accomplishedthere over the past almost two years?

MONlMAMBU: This front was opened in order toextend the struggle to all of Angola. We ad­vanced the mott~ in 1967 to generalize thestruggle inside Angola in order to force adispersal of Portuguese troops. You know, ac­cording to the laws of guerrilla war, we can'tafford a concentration of enemy forces. Wemust make them disperse so we can attack themin small groups. Regarding our general progressin the Eastern Region, we began With one sec­tion of only 18 miles, but six months later wereached the level of having five zones in theEastern Region _ Zones "A", liB", lie", liD" and"E". Now we can say that all of Moxico dis­trict and half of Cuando Cubango district areunder our control -- not completely controlledby our freedom fighters, but the Portuguesecan't go there and oppress the people or arrestthem or kill them or do what they did before1966. We have cut their communications. Theyjust come With their planes and bomb, but theycan't go easily into the bush. Always theyfind guerrillas ambushing them, killing them.And we have already organized our militias,with women also, who are patrolling, doingreconnaissance and so on -- they are helpingus in very significant ways.

LSM: How do you cope with the logistics prob-

2

lem -- bringing in suppl

MONIMAMBU: We have manyhas its HQ base, we callAnd from there we 6uppl~

front with ammunition, fAlmost everything comeshave already captured soand medicine from the Pobe some Portuguese shopsnow. We are not againstbut these people, the se~

they are now armed and wsoldiers. The Portugueshands are our enemies anthing belonging to them.to destroy everything wh~

jectives.

LSM: Do you get supportTanzania, Zambia and coni

MONlMAMBU: Of course. ~the OAU. All of the Afr·good position to help uszania, Zambia, Congo (B),are more helpful than othparticularly those whichthen our struggle can'tis the most helpful. Za,selves have many difficulhope in the future thatWe can't say the same thOhelp, for the Congo (K).expelled from Congo (K) ~

time we haven't been ablecan't bring our freedothrough their territory tthey discover us trying t

3

to Angola and fight

s 3rd Front in the EasternWhat was the purpose of

Dnt -- in addition to the~ed in Cabinda and north­at have you accomplished

almost two years?

nt was opened in order too all of Angola. We ad­

1967 to generalize thea in order to force ase troops. You know, ac-

of guerrilla war, we can'ton of enemy forces. Werse so we can attack themgarding our general progressn, we began With one see-s, but six months later wehaVing five zones in the

nes IIAll, "BII, IIC", liD" andthat all of Moxie 0 dis­

ando Cubango district arenot completely controlled

ers, but the Portugueseppress the people or arrestdo what they did before

heir communications. Theyplanes and bomb, but theythe bush. Always they

shing them, killing them.organized our militias,o are patrolling, doingo on -- they are helping

t ways.

logistics prob-

2

lem -- bringing in supplies and materiel?

MONlMAMBU: We have many bases inside. Each zonehas its HQ base, we call it the Post Command.And from there we supply those who are on thefront With ammunition, food, some medicines, etc.Almost everything comes from the outside, but wehave already captured some weapons, ammunitionand medicine from the Portuguese. There used tobe some Portuguese shops in the area, but notnow. We are not against the Portuguese people,but these people, the settlers and shop keepers,they are now armed and working together With thesoldiers. The Portuguese With guns in theirhands are our enemies and we must destroy every­thing belonging to them. It is now our policyto destroy everything which is against our ob­jectives•.

LSM: Do you get support from the governments ofTanzania, Zambia and Congo (B)?

MONIMAMBU: Of course. We get solid support fromthe OAU. All of the African states are now in agood position to help us but some, such as Tan­zania, Zambia, Congo (B), Algeria and Guinea,are more helpful than others. If they don't,particularly those which are close to our borders,then our struggle can't progress easily. Tanzaniais the most helpful. Zambia also, but they them-selves have many difficulties at present. Wehope in the future that things will go very well.We can't say the same thing, regarding outsidehelp, for the Congo (K). As you know, we wereexpelled from Congo (K) in 1963. Since thattime we haven't been able to operate there. Wecan't bring our freedom fighters or cadresthrough their territory to northern Angola. Ifthey discover us trying to do so, we lose every-

3

thing and our people are imprisoned and ill­treated. Just last June many of our comradeswere captured and their equipment is still be­ing held by the Congolese authorities. Theysupport traitors like Holden Roberto and don'tlike to see MPLA freedom fighters going throughCongo to Angola.

LSM: I imagine that makes it very difficult tosupply the Northern Front.

MONIMM1BU: That is the greatest difficulty weface in our struggle. OtherWise, the 1st orNorthern Front would be the most powerful one.But meeting such difficulties has helped usraise the level of our struggle. They are hardto solve, but not impossible. We are solvingthem little by little; step by step we are go­ing forward. The Eastern Front is now verystrong. And this year we are going to openup the 4th and 5th Fronts in Bie and Lunda.Preparations have already been made but weare still waiting for more materiel. Thefighting has already begun -- it remains onlyto send more groups and weapons into these re­gions. That will be accomplished this year.The connection between the Eastern Region andthe Northern Region will be through the 4thRegion, through Lunda.

We are continuing to organize guerrilla acti­vity throughout the country. We even havesome clandestine groups in the urban areas. '~n the towns. But they are not yet strongenough to attack -- you know, destroy powerplants, machinery, etc., and carry out eco­nomic sabotage. But this is a stage whichwill be reached in ~he future. Our organi­zation, MPLA, was founded in Luanda, as you

4

know. But our people hsand come outside to orgshad to be initiated agathe outside. In the mehave organized their deus from reaching the toPolice) and Portuguese ~

are trying to get Angolaants for them. The strhigher level when the toers, the most consciousganized and the struggleareas. The Portuguese wand their troops will beis Why we must extend ouof Angola, in order to rtions and big cities andWhen the proletariat, thletariat, is well organi:tions from the Party andtice, then things will glter than now.

LSM: What strategy are 1contain your expansion iDo they try to defend fiout large armed patrols?

MONIMAMBU: At the beginnin large numbers and desareas. They tried twicethey have changed theirfend themselves in theirhard for them to go intoWith many trucks, planesdiers on either side ofthey take food and othermain post to other posts.into the bush they have t

5

Dple are imprisoned and ill­at June many of our comradestheir equipment is still be­

Dngolese authorities. Theylike Holden Roberto and don'tfreedom fighters going through

lat makes it very difficult ton Front.

.s the greatest difficulty we:le. Otherwise, the 1st orld be the most powerful one.lifficulties has helped us

our struggle. They are hardimpossible. We are solVing·tle; step by step we are go­Eastern Front is now veryyear we are going to openFronts in Bi.6 and Lunda.

already been made but wefor more materiel. Thedy begun -- it remains onlys and weapons into these re­be accomplished this year.ween the Eastern Region andn will be through the 4thda.

to organize guerrilla acti­e country. We even have

oups in the urban areas,they are not yet strongyou know, destroy power

etc., and carry out eco-t this is a stage whichthe future. Our organi-

founded in Luanda, as you

4

know. But our people had to leave that areaand come outside to organize. The strugglehad to be initiated again, after 1961, fromthe outside. In the meantime, the Portuguesehave organized their defenses to try to keepus from reaching the towns. The PIDE (SecretPolice) and Portuguese volunteers in the towns •are trying to get Angolans to be spies and ag­ents for them. The struggle will reach a muchhigher level when the town and plantation work­ers, the most conscious elements, are well or­ganized and the struggle enters the urbanareas. The Portuguese will then lose confidenceand their troops will become demoralized. Thatis why we must extend our struggle to the wholeof Angola, in order to reach the mines, planta­tions and big cities and sabotage the economy.When the proletariat, the urban and rural pro­letariat, is well organized, receiving instruc­tions from the Party and realizing them in prac­tice, then things will go much better, much bet­ter than now.

LSM: What strategy are the Portuguese using tocontain your expansion in the Eastern Region?Do they try to defend fixed positions and sendout large armed patrols?

MONIMAMBU: At the beginning they tried to comein large numbers and destroy us in our baseareas. They tried twice and failed. Since thenthey have changed their tactics. They still de­fend themselves in their barracks, but it ishard for them to go into the bush. They comewith many trucks, planes overhead and foot sol­diers on either side of the road. This is howthey take food and other supplies from theirmain post to other posts. When they want to gointo the bush they have to mobilize a large

5

II

lL

force, one or two companies. Then they come toattack us or to pacify a certain area -- tryingto seize the initiative. But we are preparedfor that. We mobilize many units -- not con­centrated at anyone place but with one grouphere, another there, etc., and each one attacksat the appropriate time. In this way we dividethe enemy column into small groups which we areable to handle easily. The Portuguese alwaysfind it difficult to kill or capture our guer ­rillas. The only thing that gives us a head­ache is the bombing -- but it isn't destroyingmany things. They bomb every day, in the bush,in the abandoned villages. But it does notjeopardize our struggle.

LSM: The Vietnamese have been able to with­stand a great deal of bombing through tunnelingand deep trenches. Have you been able to adaptthe local population to some of these defensivetactics against bombing?

MONlMAMBU: Yes, of course, we have alreadytaught them to use trenches, as we ourselvesare doing -- digging trenches around our basesand camps, camouflaging ourselves for protec­tion against bombs and bullets. The people inour liberated villages dig many trenches aroundthe village, some 50 yards away from theirhouses. When the bombers come their chairmanorders everyone to run to the trenches. Ifsomeone is unable to reach the trenches intime, we tell him to just lie down flat on theground. People now have seen that the bombsare not as dangerous as they thought before -­because the Portuguese were telling them "Ifyou join those terrorists", as they say, "weare going to bring in our planes and bomb youand the ground will be levelled and everything

6

destroyed". But they have seEyears the people are still Iifighters are still going aheaguese are still finding it diicontrol of the semi-liberatedpeople believe in us now. Anmore conscious because we giVEeducation and organize them'sevles are better off than be'freer and even producing more

LSM: Recently, on January 3MPLA announced that it was goH~ from Brazzaville to Angolathis will affect the course 0

MONlMAMBU: This is very impoyou know, every revolutionarycarried out inside the countrbe done very well if the leadEnot among the people. We area popular movement. so we muspIe. They must see that theare inside to direct and orielThis will give more courage t(even to the guerrilla fighterllitical leaders, except for tnow been trained militarily.side and lead and help train tWhat we need, what we want, isers to become conscious enoughpeople in the villages. The ting these people to a high levsciousness and understanding.HQ inside the country is goingsupport from outside. They wi.very serious, that we are re~

struggle inside Angola. A th~

GRAE has not done since 1963,

7

this year,shift itsdo you think

struggle?

companies. Then they come tocify a certain area -- tryingative. But we are preparedlize many units -- not con­ne place but with one groupe, etc., and each one attackstime. In this way we divide

nto small groups which we areily. The Portuguese alwaysto kill or capture our guer ­thing that gives us a head­g -- but it isn't destroying

bomb every day, in the bush,°llages. But it does notggle.

e have been able to with­of bombing through tunnelingHave you been able to adapt

n to some of these defensivebing?

course, we have alreadytrenches, as we ourselvesg trenches around our basesging ourselves for protec­and bullets. The people inges dig many trenches around

yards away from theirombers come their chairmanrun to the trenches. Ifo reach the trenches ino just lie down flat on the

have seen that the bombss as they thought before -­ese were telling them "Iforists", as they say, "we

n our planes and bomb yoube levelled and everything

6

destroyed". But they have seen that after twoyears the people are still living, the freedomfighters are still going ahead and the Portu­guese are still finding it difficult to regaincontrol of the semi-liberated areas. So thepeople believe in us now. And they have becomemore conscious because we give them politicaleducation and organize them -- and they them­sevles are better off than before, they arefreer and even producing more.

LSM: Recently, on January 3rd ofMPLA announced that it was going toH~ from Brazzaville to Angola. Howthis will affect the course of the

MONlMA}lBU: This is very important for us. Asyou know, every revolutionary struggle must becarried out inside the country. And this cannotbe done very well if the leaders themselves arenot among the people. We are a mass organization,a popular movement, so we must be among the peo­ple. They must see that the leaders themselvesare inside to direct and orient the struggle.This will give more courage to the people, andeven to the guerrilla fighters. All of our po­litical leaders, except for two or three, havenow been trained militarily. So they can go in­side and lead and help train the local leaders.What we need, what we want, is for local lead­ers to become conscious enough to lead their ownpeople in the villages. The top leaders must br­ing these people to a high level of political con­sciousness and understanding. Again, sending theHQ inside the country is going to increase oursupport from outs~de. They will see that we arevery serious, that we are really leading thestruggle inside Angola. A thing that Holden'sGRAE has not done since 1963, though they have

7

MOHIMAMBU: That is the point. We want our lead­ers inside the country, together with the people.

LSM: Maybe you could now comment generally onthe relationship within Angola between the mili­tary and political leadership.

LSM: So you think it effects the morale of boththe guerrillas and the civilian population to seethat the leaders are there, running the samerisks as they are?

LSM: Another problem seems to be that exiledleaders tend to accustom themselves to a muchhigher standard of life than the people they areleading, so that you get a privileged group with­in the movement which can have dangerous conse­quenc.es.

L8M: How does the populrelation to MPLA's guerri]

MONlMAMBU: In each of theMili tary Command, headed 1who is himself both a miliere Then in the whole ofmade up of these five zoneCommand comprised of the fFour of these, including m'tern Region Steering Comm~

political and military Ieference between politicalside now. Every person hosition participates in bottical aspects of the stru

MONIMM1BU: Without the m~

forces of MPLA couldn't cico itself, you lwow, isPortugal. So, to controlhelp of the militia. Thathard to organize and traillhave been trained by us illmilitarily. The problem]

L5M: Is the head of each l

er, a political leader, or

9

military and political actieach other and develop paraThat is why we have both pcleaders in the central comnit", the Com!te Dirac tor. f.and political people come tstruggle together. But thEcountry understand the neCEtion outside, because withebe little chance of gettin€ing out diplomatic activitj

also proveto be the

where wepower andadmin1s-

MONIMAMBU: Our principle is to combine the mili­tary and the political. Everyone must be both,political and military together. We know thatour basic problem is a political one, but it can­not be solved without violence. So, while themilitary aspect is secondary to the political,there is an interdependence between the two. The

MONlMAMBU: Yes. This Will give their morale agreat boost. And they will not want to run awayto become refugees sitting in another countrywaiting for others to help them. Nol They Willsee that they themselves must be inside With theleaders, risking everything for their country.

had every chance to do so. This Willthat MPLA, which has declared itselfvanguard force, has a liberated area,are free, have begun to build popularare carrying forward our economic andtrative programs. • • •

8

8

8 point. We want our lead­, together with the people.

now comment generally onn Angola between the mil1­dership.

LSM: How does the popular militia function.inrelation to MPLA's guerrilla forces?

9

LSM: Is the head of each zone a military lead­er. a political leader. or a combination of both?

military and political actions must complimenteach other and develop parallel to one another.That is why we have both political and militaryleaders in the central committee: or as we callit. the Comite Director. Here. both militaryand political people come together and lead thestruggle together. But the people inside thecountry understand the necessity of representa­tion outside. because without this there wouldbe little chance of getting supplies or carry­ing out diplomatic actiVities.

MONIMM1BU: W1thout the militias the semi-regularforces of MPLA couldn't control this area. Mox­ico itself. you lmow, is four times larger thanPortugal. So, to control this area, we need thehelp of the militia. That is why we are workinghard to organize and train them. Their leadershave been trained by us inside, politically andmilitarily. The problem is that they don't have

MONIMAMBU: In each of the five zones there is aMilitary Command, headed by a First Commanderwho is himself both a military and political lead­er. Then in the whole of the Eastern Region,made up of these five zones. we have a RegionalCommand comprised of the five zone commanders.Four of these, including myself, are on the Eas­tern Region Steering Committee. So we are bothpolitical and military leaders. There is no dif­ference between political and military leaders in­side now. Every person holding a leadership po­sition participates in both the military and poli­tical aspects of the struggle.

also proveto be the

where wepower andadminis-

effects the morale of bothcivilian population to see

here, running the same

'so. This willdeclared itselfliberated area,

'0 build popularur economic and

; will g1ve their morale awill not want to run away

ting in another countryhelp them. No! They Willes must be inside With thething for their country.

s8ems to be that exiledom themselves to a muche than the people they are'et a privileged group With­can have dangerous COnse-

pIe is to combine the mili­• Everyone must be both,together. We know thatpolitical one, but it can­101ence. So, While thendary to the political,~ence between the two. The

sufficient arms. But with the three or fourguns they have in each group they are ableto patrol their area and help protect theirpeople. You know there are people going tofish, to their gardens to cultivate, to thebush to collect honey from trees -- they arestill going everywhere. But each one has animportant mission: to look after the place,to see who is coming in and who is going out.We have passes which are given to the leadersof the people and to the military leaders.Everyone who goes from one place to anothermust have his pass. Without this they willnot be allowed to travel. They will be ar­rested, taken back to the place ~hey camefrom, and then judged. If someone is a spyor a collaborator with the Portuguese hewill be punished by the people themselves.They will just come to ask us What to do.telling us what they have decided and ask­ing us what we think -- because we have thepower to look after everything. Even thoughthey have their organization to look afterthe people's trOUbles, we are the most pow­erful force inside the country so we havethe final decision if a traitor is to bepunished. The militias do fight sometimes,when they see Portuguese troops coming andhave no time to tell us so we can send help.They fight with those primitive guns, muz­zle loaders -- that is Why we need so muchof that black pOWder, for those primitiveguns. We can't give them modern guns be­cause we don't have them in SUfficient num­bers.

LSM: When a Portuguese patrol approaches avillage, do you have arrangements for villagedefense or do the people retreat into the bushuntil the Portuguese have passed through?

10

!LSM: Have you been ablgun-powder within the c

MONIMAMBU: The problemproducts which they needifficult to come by.Lusaka and here in Dar,ficult up to now.

t with the three or fourch group they are ableand help protect their

bere are people going tons to cultivate, to they from trees -- they arereo But each one has anto look after the place,in and who is going out.are given to the leaders

o the military leaders.om one place to anotherWithout this they will

avel. They will be ar­o the place ~hey came

ed. If someone is a spylth the Portuguese hethe people themselves.to ask us what to do,

r have decided and ask­-- because we have the

everything. Even thoughanization to look afteras, we are the most pow­the country so we haveLf a traitor is to beias do fight sometimes,~uese troops coming and

us 60 we can send help.se primitive guns, muz­is why we need so much

", for those primitive• them modern guns be­them in sufficient num-

ese patrol approaches aI arran~ements for villageople retreat into the bush

have passed through?

10

LSM: Have you been able to train people to makegun-powder within the country?

MONIMAMBU: The problem is that the chemicalproducts which they need to make this pOWder aredifficult to come by. We have tried already inLusaka and here in Dar, but it has been very dif­ficult up to now.

MPLA leadership with the Popular Militia.From left: Luwaza, de Melo, Neto, Monimambu.

11

MONIMAMBU: When the freedom fighters are farfrom the place it is up to the militia to or­ganize their own defense -- until we can bringin some of our fighters to help them, if it ispossible. If not they must defend themselvesWith their guns, their primitive weapons andtheir flesh. They are doing it ••• many ofthem. Some Will collect the women and childrenand take them to a safe place and guard them;others, the men who are courageous or who knowhow to defend themselves, will begin to fightwith whatever weapons they have - spears, bowsand arrows, primitive guns, etc. Two or threeof them will leave and try to find the guerril­las and bring them back to help the people.

LSM: What is the normal settlement pattern inthis area? Do the people live in dispersed vil­lages or are there distinguishable villages, un­its where you have several hundred people livingtogether in a village?

MONIMM4BU: We never like to concentrate largenumbers of people in one place. We divide them.Each traditional chief has his people in a parti­cular place; the others are sent out to differentplaces. This allows us to control a larger area.

LSM: How many people would you say are living inan average Village in the semi-liberated area?

MONIMAMBU: It depends on the number of people whobelong to such and such a chief. Sometimes thereare 50, sometimes 80; and we have decided that nomore than 100 can remain together in one place ­With their houses close together but still a littleseparated. It depends on the bush. If it is notheavy, then not too many people Will stay together;if it is heavy then they Will be safe. All thehouses will be well camouflaged and can't be seenfrom the planes.

12

...

LSM: In Vietnam theyto defend Villages. Bwith tunnels they canand leave if they haveand a great deal of mofrom one firing positican be very effective aforce than they in facpeasants been taught 0

nels or does the terr~

MONIMAMBU: You know, 0

isolated one. We are ~

ience of others. We mese experience, the Cutinow the most advancedis in Vietnam; they haful tactics. We are nas the Vietnamese are dwill be done in timepIe have not yet triedunderground. But we 0

we have already tried tters underground. Theto see how a man can 11they are not used to itnot live without our hoground, II and so forth.ing - but they will fo:they see that we have dthat it is useful to thdo it. We are still giand military education;will understand and fol.you must know that we hItunnels. Our ground helgion is very sandy; it j

just sand. And duringgets flooded. That isbiggest problem we face

~reedom fighters are farlP to the militia to or­se -- until we can bring3 to help them, if it is

must defend themselvesr primitive weapons anddoing it • • • many of

~t the women and children~ place and guard them;~ courageous or who know~s, will begin to fightthey have - spears, bows~uns, etc. Two or threetry to find the guerril­

~ to help the people.

~l settlement pattern inple live in dispersed vil­tinguishable Villages, un­~ral hundred people living

ike to concentrate large3e place. We divide them.has his people in a parti­

5 are sent out to different5 to control a larger area.

~ould you say are living inthe semi-liberated area?

on the number of people whon a chief. Sometimes there~d we have decided that noin together in one place -­e together but still a l.ittleon the bush. If it is not

ny people will stay together;ey will be safe. All thenouflaged and canlt be seen

12

LSH: In Vietnam they have used tunnel war·fareto defend Villages. By connecting Villageswith tunnels they can resist an incoming forceand leave if they have to. With a few gunsand a great deal of mobility -- moving quicklyfrom one firing position to another -- theycan be very effective and appear a much largerforce than they in fact are. Have the Angolanpeasants been taught or seen the value of tun­nels or does the terrain not allow for it?

MONIMAMBU: You know, our struggle is not anisolated one. We are profiting from the exper­ience of others. We must learn from the Chin­ese experience, the Cuban experience, etc. Butnow the most advanced form of guerrilla struggleis in Vietnam; they have developed many succesS­ful tactics. We are not yet employing tacticsas the Vietnamese are doing. But we know thiswill be done in time -- step by step. Our peo­ple have not yet tried to build those tunnelsunderground. But we ourselves, the guerrillas, .we have already tried to make houses and shel­ters underground. The people are now beginningto see how a man can live underground. Butthey are not used to it. They say: "We cannot live Without our houses. we will die under­ground." and so forth. They are still doubt­ing -- but they will follow our example whenthey see that we have developed this tactic,that it is useful to them••• then they willdo it. We are still giving them politicaland military education; in the future theywill understand and follow our example. Butyou must know that we have troubles with ·thetunnels. Our ground here in the Eastern Re­gion is very sandy; it is not strong soil.just sand. And during the rainy season itgets flooded. That is the problem. • • thebiggest problem we face in doing what the

13

MOHIMAMBU: Maybe a fewpost you'll find 50. 15(vary. But many of thembush.

semi-liberated areas.pIe have been politicizzers to many places tobilize them. organize tthose who quickly takeare the young chaps. Twant to be safe, to avo.just continue doing the:that's all. It is verythe old people. •• IBut we know that you fi:Where. They still needicine. clothes, salt an,most important needs ofcause now many live witlunderstand what our dif:these things. We have I

thing about this. The:solved but a part has blgiven some satisfaction

LSH: About how many pecliving in the concentra1

LSH: Your own operatioIstricted largely to ambLthe Portuguese forces wlposts. You're still opesmall units and not hitttheir own bases. Does tdifficulties with trainicomes to the use of mortets? Do you ever use ttlPortuguese bases?

'1

ofHow

involved?

~ONIMAMBU: The Eastern Front is about 800 km.long and some 500 kID. deep. But these figureswere calculated last year. Our people are stillmoving ahead, they are now in Bie and to thenorth we have already sent organizers and a guer­rilla group into the Lunda district. So I can'ttell you at this time exactly how far our zoneof operation extends inside the country. As forthe territories controlled by us, or semi-con­trolled by us, they are Moxico and most of CuandoCubango districts -- with many ene~ posts in be­tween. You can't find a single place in this a­rea where people have remained in their trad­itional Villages. They have already abandonedthem. Or the Portuguese have caught them andbrought them near their posts to live in concen­tration camp villages. Most have run away. Butit is up to them to choose. They can either goto the Portuguese for help or to the freedomfighters. Most people come to the bush to livewith us. some go with the Portuguese. But thosewho go with the Portuguese don't stay more thantwo or three months. After that they will dieof hunger because they can't go into the bushto look after their crops. They are allowed togo there just one day a week. followed by Por­tuguese guards. But it is not enough for them;they feel they are in a prison, that they arenot free there. So many of them run away andcome to join us. Or when the freedom fightersgo there they ask us to take them away them awayfrom the place. There is not a very large pop­ulation in these areas. Now we can say thatthere are more than 30,000 living with us in the

Vietnamese are doing with tunnels.

LS~: Perhaps you could discuss the scaleMPLA's operation in the Eastern Region.much territory and how many people are

14

LSM: About how many people would you say areliVing in the concentration camp villages?

LSH: Your own operations so far have been re­stricted largely to ambush tactics. attackingthe Portuguese forces when they leave theirposts. You're still operating with relativelysmall units and not hitting the Portuguese intheir own bases. Does that mean that you havedifficulties with training or supplies when itcomes to the use of mortars. bazookas or rock­ets? Do you ever use these weapons to attackPortuguese bases?

semi-liberated areas. But not all of these peo­ple have been politicized. We have sent organi­zers to many places to politicize the people. mo­bilize them, organize them. We have found thatthose who quickly take our motto to their heartsare the young chaps. The older ones, they justwant to be safe, to avoid being killed, and theyjust continue doing their ordinary activities,that's all. It is very difficult to deal withthe old people. •• I find it very difficult.But we know that you find people like that every­where. They still need much help -- with med­icine. clothes, salt and soap. These are themost important needs of the people inside. be­cause now many live without these things. They'understand what our difficulties are in gettingthese things. We have already tried to do some­thing about this. The problem is not completelysolved but a part has been solved and we havegiven some satisfaction to the people.

everynumbersin the

HOlfIMAMBU: Maybe a few thousand. Inpost you'll find 50. 150 or 200 thevary. But many of them are now hidingbush.

stern Front is about 800 km.• deep. But these figures

at year. Our people are stillare nOw in Bie and to the

ldy sent organizers and a guero­~e Lunda district. So I can'tlme exactly how far our zoneis inside the country. As forltrolled by us. or semi-con-

are Moxico and most of Cuandowith many enemy posts in be­

"ind a single place in this a­ve remained in their trad­They have already abandonedIguese have caught them andheir posts to live in concen­es. Most have run away. But

choose. They can either goor help or to the freedompIe come to the bush to liveth the Portuguese. But thosetuguese don't stay more than

After that they will diehey can't go into the bush

crops. They are allowed toay a week, followed by Foro­t it is not enough for them;~n a prison, that they are

many of them run away andwhen the freedom fighters

s to take them away them awayElre is not a very large pop-

Now we can say that30,000 11ving with us in the

could discuss the scale ofn the Eastern Region. Howhow many people are involved?

ng With tunnels.

14 15

MONIMAMBU: We have some bazookas and mortars,and we have already attacked 10 posts in theEastern Region -- but the results were not toosuccessful, the barracks were not destroyed.They were attacked and many of them were hit,but after that we COUldn't occupy the positions,we COUldn't enter the posts because we lackedrockets and mortar shells. We have mortarshells, but lack sufficient detonator caps andbatteries for the rockets. We are trying toget them, but haven't succeeded yet. That isour problem. So when we plan to attack a post,we go with grenades and rifles. We must do some­thing to demoralize the Portuguese troops, toprevent them from living peacefully in their bar­racks. We must attack them and call them intothe bush where our freedom fighters are arrangedto ambush them. That is our tactic.

LSM. Do you ever use road mines against Portu­guese motorized columns?

MONIMAMBU: We don't have anti-vehicle minesnot yet. Unfortunately, though we have the ex­plosives to make those mines, we don't have thedetonator caps. But we do u~e anti-personnelmines against Portuguese foot soldiers.

LSM: Last June, at a meeting held in the EasternRegion, a number of new programs were put forward.Perhaps you could comment generally on the pro­gress that has been made. Let's take them one ata time, beginning with your efforts in the sphereof agricultural production.

MONIMAMBU: Agricultural production in the semi­liberated areas is increasing. In every zonethe people are organized in sectors; a zone mayhave five or six sectors. In each sector thereis a Revolutionary Committee of Action, a people's

16

Commander Spartacus

17

ome bazookas and mortars,ttacked 10 posts in thethe results were not too

cks were not destroyed.~ many of them were hit,dn't occupy the positions,posts because we lackedlls. We have mortar~cient detonator caps andkets. We are trying to

succeeded yet. That iswe plan to attack a post,

cd rifles. We must do some-e Portuguese troops, to

ing peacefully in their bar-­. them and call them intoeedom fighters are arrangedis our tactic.

mines against Portu-

nave anti-vehicle minesLy, though we have the ex­~ mines, we don't have thee do Use anti-personnelse foot soldiers.

meeting held in the EasternHi programs were put forward.~ent generally on the pro­Ide. Let's take them one atI your efforts in the spheretion.

'al production in the semi­reasing. In every zoneed in sectors; a zone mayrs. In each sector there~ttee of Action, a people's

16

Commander Spartacus Monimambu

17

organization which concerns itself With thepeople's problems. They have a chairman,a secretary, a treasurer, etc. Committeemembers are elected by the people••• thereare about 500 villagers in an average sec­tor. These people collectively cultivatewhat we call "people's plantations". Allthe people in a village work together inone field. The products which come fromtheir collective work are then used for thebenefit of the villagers themselves. Thesepeople's plantations don't develop qUicklyin all zones. Where we have made the great­est progress in agriculture is in Zones "C"and liD". We already have 35 collectives inthese zones. The important crops grown arerice, cassava. potatoes, millet and maize.Apart from the collective each family hasits own traditional garden. But on certaindays everyone must work on the people'splantation, because on those days we usethe militia to surround and protect theplace. If they hear a plane coming fromvery far away they will go into their tren­ches and camouflage themselves. They aresafe there.

LSM: How many days a week do they work onthe people's plantation?

MONIMAMBU: They work two days on the col­lective. then two days in their own garden&The other days are for meetings. literacyclasses, political education, etc. So theyhave two days of agricultural work on thecollective, two days of personal work. andtwo days of education; and then on Sundaysthey sing. dance, and so on, because nation­al culture is important also. We want todevelop it too.

18

LSM: Does MPLA tax theseguerrilla forces get foodunits?

MONIMAMBU: Yes, of coursehelp from outside when itare quite sufficiently hel.side the country. We getlective plantations. The,They collect the food - tJtias Which go to differentfood for the guerrillas -­and give it to their women I

Will present it to the chieis in charge of looking af~

there. This is how we getple.

LSM: Do the guerrilla unifood?

MONIMAMBU: Yes, in the ceplaces to cultivate tomatoeand things like that. We dneed the vitamins very muchter than the people themselly the basic foods. So theourselves we cultivate in teach zone. But groups whic)country, ambushing Portugutrolling strategic points, 1jobs.

LSM: In the area of educatJing you have set up CentersInstruction (CIR). How hav

MONIMAMBU: These Centers fostruction are very importanend of 1967 we had already t

19

b concerns itself with theThey have a chairman,

easurer, etc. Committeead by the people••• therelagers in an average sec­! collectively cultivate~le's plantations". All,Hage work together in'oducts which come fromork are then used for thelagers themselves. Thesens don't develop quicklyre we have made the great­riculture is in Zones "C"~y have 35 collectives inlmportant crops grown areltoes, millet and maize.ective each family has. garden. But on certainwork on the people's

on those days we useound and protect ther a plane coming fromill go into their tren­themselves. They are

a week do they work on.ion?

days on the col­s in their own garden&

or meetings, literacyucation, etc. So they~cultural work on theof personal work, and

D; and then on Sundays~ so on, because nation­lnt also. We want to

18

LSM: Does MPLA tax these collectives? Do theguerrilla forces get food from these collectiveunits?

MONIMAMBU: Yes, of course. We don't depend onhelp from outside when it comes to food. Weare quite sufficiently helped by the people in­side the country. We get help from those col­lective plantations. The women do everything.They collect the food -- they have their mili­tias which go to different places collectingfood for the guerrillas -- then they will comeand give it to their women's chairman. Shewill present it to the chief of the sector whois in charge of looking after the guerrillasthere. This is how we get food from the peo­ple.

LSM: Do the guerrilla units grow any of theirfood?

MONIMAMBU: Yes, in the central base we haveplaces to cultivate tomatoes, onions, cabbagesand things like that. We do this because weneed the vitamins very mUCh; and we do it bet­ter than the people themselves. They grow on­ly the basic foods. So the things we need forourselves we cultivate in the central base ofeach zone. But groups which go deep inside thecountry, ambushing Portuguese patrols or con­trolling strategic points, they must not do suchjobs.

L5M: In the area of education and cadre train­ing you have set up Centers for RevolutionaryInstruction (CIR). How have these progressed?

MONIMAMBU: These Centers for Revolutionary In­struction are very important for us. Before theend of 1967 we had already trained more than

19

2,000 cadres outside, in many countries. Butwe find that it is more important to trainthem inside the country. We lack materialsand have to do without many things butthese GIR's are very helpful to us now. Be­tween August and February the first coursewas held and it was very successful. And manypeople's cadres, people trained educationally,militarily and politically, are now able to goand organize people, be active among the people.They also learne~ how to maintain themselves -­to keep chickens, cultivate, sew, and so on.They were taught many things there. On 14 Marchwe started the second course, the second part ofthe program. Angola is a country with many il­literate people, uninformed people who don'tknow how to read or write -- probably worse thenany other African country. The Portuguese havedone it deliberately. Now it is up to us. Wecan't wait until we are free, but must begin nowto educate our people, to teach them how to readand learn.

L5M: What language do you teach thea in?

MONIMAMBU: We have people who have been trainedoutside but who come from this region of Angola.They know every language there. The most impor­tant language is Luvale. But when one speaks Lu­vale, the Mbunda tribe can't understand it, theChokwe tribe can't understand it. Now we havetwo languages: Luvale and Portuguese. But wealso have people who translate fro Portuguese~o the other local languages.

L5M: Do the illiterate people who come to theCIR acquire literacy in their native languagebefore they learn Portuguese? Do they first be­come literate in their traditional language?

20

MONlMAMBU: They do boword, how to write ittaught in both Luvalehave our own Language,will have to use Portuuage in Angola. Nonecan be understood throand that is why we hayuage, Portuguese. Thelneers. those young cha]mary school in the erRwomen and so on. Our (And then in every sectThe teachers have get ~

many books, revolutioncare teaching in the prjpeople are very importature generation which .tomorrow. And that isWithout schooling andparty.

L~1: What is the basieducation program? Isin character or is itist?

MONIMA}ffiU: Political enationalist. The peoplare all Angolans, thatare fighting for our riAngola must be governed

But we know that tomorr,lems in Angola and ~hal

that we educate people j

Our ideology is scientiling to be a socialist cono other way. ~hen we ttry there is only one w

in many countries. Butore important to trainrYe We lack materialst many things buthelpful to us now. Be­uary the first course

ry successful. And many1e trained educationally.cally, are now able to gobe active among the people.

to maintain themselves ­tivate, sew, and so on.things there. On 14 Marchcourse, the second part of

. s a country with many 11­ormed people who don't

rite - probably worse thenntry. The Portuguese have

Now it is up to us. Were free, but aust begin now, to teach them how to read

o you teach them in?

eople who have been trainedfrom this region of Angola.age there. The aost imper­Ie. But when one speaks In-

can't understand it, theerstand it. Now we have

e and Portuguese. But wetranslate fro Portugueseanguages.

e people who coae to thein their native languagetuguese? Do they first be­r traditional language?

20

MONlMAMBU: They do both together. Learning aword, how to write it and read it, they aretaught in both Luvale and Portuguese. Until wehave our own Language, a national language, wewill have to use Portuguese as the common lang­uage in Angola. None of our traditional languagescan be understood throughout the whole country -­and that is Why we have to use the colonial lang­uage. Portuguese. There arc also the Young Pio­neers. those young chaps, who have had their pri­mary school in the erR -- apart from the old men,women and so on. Our students ar~ of all ages.And then in every sector we have a primary school.The teachers have got books. We have preparedmany books, revolutionary books, to help those whoare teaching in the primary schools. These youngpeople are very important to us; they are the fu­ture generation which is going to be the cadre oftomorrow. And that is Why we can't leave themwithout schooling and without assistance from theparty.

L~1: What is the basic content of the politicaleducation program? Is it essentially nationalistin character or is it socialist and international­ist?

MONIM~mu: Political education is, first of all.nationalist. The people must understand that weare all Angolans. that we are one people, that weare fighting for our ri£ht to be free, and thatAngola must be governed by Angolans.

But we knew that tomorrow there will be many prob­lems in Angola and that to solve them requiresthat we educate people in the ideological sphere.Our ideology is scientific socialism. We are go­ing to be a socialist cc.untry tomorrow. There isno other way. ~hen we become an independent coun­try there is only one way to follow -- the social-

21

MPLA cadres at meal of cassava. From left: Center for RevolutionaryInstruction (CIR) Professor Mapamundi, Commanders Monimambu and Dinu.

MPLA guerrillas meet villagers and Popular Militia members

ist way. For us ideolo~

within the party becausemass movement, a popular J

a real party, With the stBut tomorrow there willphilosophy, its determinestructure. And to reachgin to prepare the way frthe MPLA is very interestcal education to our mili"in general, at least for J

a nationalist education.

LSM: Maybe now you cou.people's shops and trade 1of your program which dea.of goods and services?

MONIMAMBU: This was themade people fear living i1want to live like animosalt, soap, medicine and I

difficult in the beginninjurgent problem which h~

tried to organize, first I

tion of goods sent by fri1us in our struggle. Thelguerrillas, for the freed1not fighting alone. With1their support, we couldn'1recruit more fighters, etisfaction to the people'sjust clothes, salt, soap I

distributing the goods frlguerrillas was not sUfficiized our budget and the ~

cates part of its funds tclem. We have also set upbUy goods outside and ourto the border. Then the ]

23

gers and Popular Militia members

ist way. For us ideology is most importantwithin the party because today we are just amass movement, a popular movement, and not yeta real party, with the structure of a party.But tomorrow there will be a party with itsphilosophy, its determined ideology and itsstructure. And to reach that level we must be­gin to prepare the way from today. That is whythe MPLA is very interested in giving ideologi­cal education to our militants. For the peoplein general, at least for now, they need mainlya nationalist education.

LSM: Maybe now you could comment now on thepeople's shops and trade centers -- on that partof your program which deals with the distributionof goods and services?

MONIMAMBU: This was the major problem•••whichmade people fear living in the bush. They didn'twant to live like animals -- without clothes.salt. soap, medicine and so on. They found itdifficult in the beginning. We saw this as anurgent problem which had to be solved. Wetried to organize, first of all. the distribu­tion of goods sent by friendly countries to helpus in our struggle. These were sent for theguerrillas, for the freedom fighters, but we arenot fighting alone. Without the people, withouttheir support. we couldn't mOve ahead. couldn'trecruit more fighters, etc. We had to give sat­isfaction to the people's demands, which werejust clothes. salt, soap and medicines. But justdistributing the goods from outside sent to theguerrillas was not SUfficient. So we have organ­ized our budget and the party itself now allocates part of its funds to help solve this prob­lem. We have also set up people's stores. Webuy goods outside and our trucks take themto the border. Then the people come and collect

23

them and take them to their sectors. The goodsare given to the action committees which turnthem over to the people who run the people'sstores for general distribution. In each sec­tor we have one of these stores. Since thesegoods are paid for out of the party's budget,and in order to keep getting more goods, wehave to fix prices. We can't just give them tothe people free. They pay in Portuguese currencyor With products. People bring in fish, meat,rice, potatoes, honey -- anything they happen tohave -- and exchange it for clothes, salt, soap,etc. Medicines are free. The food and other pro­ducts they pay With are then used as part of therations for the guerrillas. The money is sentthrough the action committees to party headquart­ers. It is then exchanged for Zambian money tobuy more goods or sent for various purposes toCabinda, the Northern region, or our offices herein Dar es Salaam, Lusaka, etc.

LSM: Have you attempted to produce any of thesebasic goods Within the semi-liberated areas? Haveyou set up any field factories or centers of pro­duction -- apart from agriculture -- inside thecountry?

MOHIMAMBU: This is one of our objectives. But itwas only last June when we began these programsand we had to start at the beginning. We havebuilt a rice-husking factory, but we are stillwai ting for the machines. In Zones "C" and "'n"we have plenty of rice now; we are just waitingfor those machines to process it. This is ourfirst project. Secondly, we are trying to organ­ize people in cooperatives, as I mentionedearlier, so that they can exchange their productsfor the things they need. This problem is alreadysettled between MPLA and the zambian Government -­t ey are ready to buy our Angolan produce. It is

24

up to us now to arrllD4

LSM: Do you as yet tlinside Angola?

MONIMAMBU: No. ThefWe are not able yet tcthe country.

LSM: Are you able tovehicles inside the cc

MOHIMAMBU: There isuse vehicles inside. •can travel between An4already brought in sozambia. In other zonehave not yet started tcar. We keep one mecto do repairs on our

LSM: Are you able topower supplies inside

MONIMAMBU: Ho. WeWe know there areWith electrical powerare many difficultiesat this time -- lack 0eqUipment, etc.

LSM: You mentioned nayou doing to make poop'national culture?

MONIMAMBU : Apart froll.and dances, in our Censtruction we are t~sciousness of themselvttheatrical performancel

.heir sectors. The goods~ committees which turn~ who run the people'sribution. In each see­

se stores. Since theseof the party's budget.~tting more goods, we~ can't just give them toay in Portuguese currency

ple bring in fish. meat,._ anything they happen tot for clothes, salt. soap,~e. The food and other pro-­~ then used as part of theLlas. The money is sentnittees to party headquart­~ged for Zambian money tofor various purposes to

region, or our offices here:ta, etc.

ad to produce any of thesesemi-liberated areas? Have~ctories or centers of pro-­~griculture -- inside the

e of our objectives. But itn we began these programsthe beginning. We have

actory, but we are stilles. In Zones "e" and ''1>''now; we are just waiting

process it. This is ourly, we are trying to organ­ratives. as I mentionedcan exchange their productsed. This problem is alreadynd the Zambian Government -­:>ur Angolan produce_. It is

24

up to us now to arrange things inside.

LSM: Do you as yet train any people technicallyinside Angola?

MONIMAMBU: No. They will be trained outside.We are not able yet to train technicians insidethe country.

LSM: Are you able to use and reapir your ownvehicles inside the country?

MONIMAMBU: There is only one zone where we canuse vehicles inside•••because from there wecan travel between Angola and Zambia. We havealready brought in soae materials by truck fromzambia. In other zones, for many reasons, wehave not yet started to bring in our supplies bycar. We keep one mechanic inside and one outsideto do repairs on our vehicles.

LSM: Are you able to generate any of your ownpower supplies inside the country?

MONIMAMBU: No. We are still using batteries.We know there are many rivers which can help uswith electrical power and irrigation, but thereare many difficulties which make it impossibleat this time -- lack of technicians. lack ofequipment, etc.

LSM: You mentioned national culture. What areyou doing to make people aware of their Angolannational culture?

MONIHAMBU : Apart from Angolan traditional songsand dances, in our Centers for Revolutionary in­struction we are trying to give people a con­sciousness of themselves as Angolans. We put ontheatrical performances shoWing the people What

25

it was iike before the Portuguese came to Angola,how the people were living, what their societieswere like. Then what it was like after the Por­tuguese came and how our people resisted them.Then, after that, how the struggle for our lib ­eration began, and how it is progressing. Thisis what we're trying to organize, so that tomor­row we will have cultural unity throughout Ango­la. This is for the people to enjoy, but it isalso very important educationally. If the peo­ple see what it was like before the Portuguese,after they came, during the early resistance andthe present liberation struggle, it will be eas­ier for them to see themselves as Angolans. Wehave many intellectuals in Angola but most ofthem are not in the revolution; they are reac­tionaries collaborating with the Portuguese.Some try to be neutral but at this time there canbe no neutrals, they must be either revolutionaryor reactionary. They must choose. But asidefrom those who are working only for themselves,living their bourgeois lives, we have our own in­tellectuals within the revolution. And they arehelping us with national culture. Some of theseyoung chaps just coming from school are poets,like Dr. Neto, and we are trying to use theirpoems to build our theatre. trying to executethem in theatrical form. That is another part ofthe effort we are making. In addition, there arenow many revolutionary songs which we are teach­ing the people.

LSM: MPLA mentions in one of its publicationsthat it is building rudimentary organs of peo­ple's power in the semi-liberated areas. You've

already mentioned the revolutionary action commit-tees, but perhaps you can go into this question ina little greater detail. How do the people parti­cipate in decision making at different levels?How do you engage them in the process of making

26

Commander Monimambu, watching play prEInstruction (CIR) - presented at the]of the HPLA. August 1968.

27

the Portuguese came to Angola,living, what their societies

it it was like after the Por­r our people resisted them.DW the struggle for our lib ­lOW it is progressing. This~ to organize, so that tomor­.tural unity throughout Anga-

people to enjoy, but it iseducationally. If the peo­like before the Portuguese,ing the early resistance andon struggle, it will be eas­themselves as Angolans. Weals in Angola but most of~evolution; they are reac­~ng with the Portuguese.al but at this time there can

must be either revolutionaryf must choose. But asideorking only for themselves,Ls lives, we have our own in­ne revolution. And they are'nal culture. Some of theselng from school are poets,! are trying to use theirileatre, trying to execute,rm. That is another part ofdng. In addition, there are7 songs which we are teach-

in one of its publicationsrudimentary organs of pea­

!mi-liberated areas. You'verevolutionary action commit­can go into this question in

:i.l. How do the people parti­king at different levels?m in the process of making

26

Commander Monimambu, watching play presented by Center for RevolutionaryInstruction (CIR) - presented at the First Eastern Regional Conferenceof the MPLA. August 1968.

27

remain chief but heif he is a good chief,is better for him to

Do you find thatof today people cof decisions thaareas were semi-]

LSM: So at the groupown action committeeto the sector action

MONIMAMBU: Yes.they send their repraction committee. Iwho are very intelligtheir people on the Rtral Committee selectswho are militants. whoeducated, and they reRegional Committee. Wtary command these actters of all marriages.They also administer jchiefs are well versedbut we must take careand habits which are nutionary conditions ofthem to settle some cahave their own police,tia. The militia is ~

militia group they chokeep order in the vilDsector.

LSH:ationkindstheir

MONlHAMBU: Of course.now. It is part of thePeople now see their pIof them are happy now b

LSM: Do you find that people in the groups andsectors tend to elect traditional leaders to theaction committees? Or do they elect people withmore progressive ideas?

MONIMAMBU: Today the traditional leaders arestill respected. But if a traditional leader isnot very interested in the struggle he will nothave power. he will not be elected by the people.Someone else will be on the top. The cheif will

MONIMAMBU: The action committees, you know, arerelated to MPLA's Central Committee. the Comit~

Director. The instructions come from the CentralCommittee and are passed through the military com­mand to the action committees. But is is not pos­sible for the Central Committee to control every-thing directly. That is why we have createdthree regional steering committees -- whose mem­bers also serve on the Central Committee. Theyrepresent the Central Committee in the regions.So the instructions come from the Central Com ­mittee~ They meet in various places, make theirdecisions, and if these decisions pertain to thepeople inside the country they are sent throughthe military command (for security reasons) tothe action committees at the zone level. Theseaction committees will then meet and transmitthe information to the people through the commit­tees at the sector and group or village levels.We have four levels then: group, sector, zone,and region. Within a sector there are many gro­ups, which are the village units. There is onlyone chief in a sector, but he has responsibilityfor a large area within which there are severalsmall villages. These groups have their own or­ganization. They, the people in each group, e­lect members to serve on their action committee.

new kinds of decisions?

28

LSM: So at the group level people elect theirown action committee which sends representativesto the sector action committee.

remain chief but he will be without power. Butif he is a good chief, a revolutionary one, itis better for him to lead his people.

MONIMAMBU: Of course. There are many changesnow. It is part of the progress we have made.People now see their problems differently. Mostof them are happy now because they haven't paid

MONIMAMBU: Yes. And then from the sector levelthey send their representatives to the zoneaction committee. In each zone there are somewho are very intelligent and they representtheir people on the Regional Committee. The Cen­tral Committee selects one or two from each zonewho are militants, who are already politicallyeducated, and they represent their zones on theRegional Committee. With the help of the mili­tary command these action committees keep regis­ters of all marriages, births, deaths, and so on.They also administer justice. Those traditionalchiefs are well versed in local laws and customs,but we must take care with the traditional lawsand habits which are not adapted to the revol­utionary conditions of today. So we must helpthem to settle some cases. In addition, theyhave their own police, recruited from the mili­tia. The militia is para-military. but within amilitia group they choose some to be police. Theykeep order in the villages, or groups, and in thesector.

Do you find that in the revolutionary situ­of today people are considering differentof decisions than they would have beforeareas were semi-liberated?

LSM:ationkindstheiriitional leaders are

l traditional leader is! struggle he will not! elected by the people.Ie top. The cheif will

ople in the groups and~tional leaders to thethey elect people with

ommittees, you know, areCommittee. the Comit~

ons come from the Centralthrough the military com­tees. But is is not pos­

mmittee to control every-why we have createdommittees -- whose mem­

entral Committee. Theymmittee in the regions.

from the Centr~l Com -rious places. make theiriecisions pertain to the

they are sent through~ security reasons) tothe zone level. These

len meet and transmitlople through the commit­'oup or village levels.

group, sector, zone,tor there are many gro­e units. There is onlyt he has responsibilityihich there are several

ups have their own or­aple in each group. e­their action committee.

29

their taxes or tribute to the Portuguese for al­most two years, and their products are not col­lected by the Portuguese in return for a very lowprice. They are very happy about this. Andthey think differently than before, their mind isnow revolutionary and nationalist. They under ­stand that Angola is~ country and that only bystruggle are we going to get it back in our hand~

LSM: There have been many. reports of SouthAfrica assisting the Portuguese With helicopters,mercenaries, etc. How do you think South Africanintervention will affect your liberation strug ­gle in the long run?

MONIMAMBU: This is no secret to anyone. It hasnow been proved that South Africa is involved inthe Angola struggle. First of all they see ourliberation movement as a security problem forthe Whole of southern Africa.

These racists and white settlers want to keepSouth Africa, South-West Africa, Rhodesia, Moz­ambique and Angola safely in their hands. Theywant these countries to remain under their con-trol for economic and political reasons. Youknow that Mozambique and Angola occupy two stra­tegic points. The South African racists knowthat if Mozambique and Angola become free theliberation forces will use them as base areasfrom which to attack the apartheid regime. Wehave already found young South African soldiersamong the Portuguese troops. At Karipande,which is open to people coming from Zambia toshop, we have found soldiers who spoke Africaansbut no Portuguese. Then in Bie they use Africa­aner soldiers to guard the rich foreign-ownedCassinga iron mines. South African helicoptersalso come to supply their soldiers with ammuni­tion, food, etc., and to do reconnaissance for

30

the Portuguese. As youment between South AfriThey meet every month to"terrorism" in southerncounter-guerrilla actiomovements in the variouEonies. There are thusAfrica is already deeplstruggle. And the numbused in Angola will pro~

future.

LSH: In what ways doesthe Portuguese in Angol

MONIMAMBU: Portugal isThey can't do everythingnot go ahead with theseGuinea Bissau, Mozambiquhelp of the NATO powersed states, West Germany,United states itself hain Angola. They want tthese interests. You kpolies Which are leadinyou find Portuguese troguns, planes, bombs, eqthe United States. Andassistance, techniciansplanes and so on - andguerrilla warfare•••beperience from their aggrVietnam. They also helpces - both the Americandoing this. But they artuguese. They are alsosuch as the GRAE of Holdicine, food and clothesall puppets of the Amerithese CIA-supported org~

3

to the Portuguese for al­eir products are not col­ee in return for a very lowhappy about this. And

than before, their mind isnationalist. They under ­w: country and that only byto get it back in our hand~

n many. reports of Southrtuguese with helicopters,

do you think South Africanct your liberation strug -

secret to anyone. It hasouth Africa is involved inFirst of all they see our

a security problem forAfrica.

,e settlers want to keep'st Africa, Rhodesia, Moz­'ely in their hands. They.0 remain under their con-political reasons. Youmd Angola occupy two stra­th African racists know

I Angola become free the_ use them as base areas;he apartheid regime. Welng South African soldiers;roops. At Karipande,.e coming from Zambia to'ldiers who spoke Africaanslen in Bie they use Africa­I the rich foreign-ownedSouth African helicoptersleir soldiers with ammuni-to do reconnaissance for

30

the Portuguese. As you know, there is an Agree­ment between South Africa, Rhodesia and Portugal.They meet every month to study how to stop the"terrorism" in southern Africa, how to carryoncounter-guerrilla actions against the liberationmovements in the various colonies and neo-col­onies. There are thus many proofs that SouthAfrica is already deeply involved in the Angolastruggle. And the number of South African troopsused in Angola will probably increase in the nearfuture.

LSM: In what ways does the United States assistthe Portuguese in Angola?

MONIMAMBU: Portugal is an underdeveloped country.They can't do everything themselves. They couldnot go ahead with these ultra-colonial regimes inGuinea Bissau, Mozambique and Angola without thehelp of the NATO powers -- particularly the Unit­ed States, West Germany, Belgium and Italy. TheUnited States itself has many economic interestsin Angola. They want to protect and increasethese interests. You know it is those big mono­polies which are leading everything. That is whyyou find Portuguese troops using many thingsguns, planes, bombs, equipment, cars, etc. -- fromthe United States. And they give them medicalassistance, technicians -- those who repair theirplanes and so on -- and military experts in anti­guerrilla warfare•••because they have much ex ­perience from their aggressions in North Korea andVietnam. They also help train the Portuguese for­ces -- both the Americans and the West Germans aredoing this. But they are not only helping the Por­tuguese. They are also helping our adversariessuch as the GRAE of Holden, giving them money, med­icine, food and clothes through Mobutu. They areall puppets of the Americans or CIA agents. Andthese CIA-supported organi~ations are alWays after

31

LSM: Do you also explain that even within theUnited States there are progressive and socialistforces which are also fighting against U.S. im ­perialism?

MONIMAMBU: Our first enemy is Portuguese coloni­alism. And the people must know this. But themost powerful enemy is the United States, andthat is why we make great efforts to educate ourpeople against imperialism -- and particularlythe leader of the imperialists, the Americans.They are the greatest enemy of the people in theworld.

the revolutionaries and progressives here inAfrica. They are the ones who trained some peo­ple to make trouble for the MPLA in the Congo(K). You know those American monopoly capital­ists know very well that the Portuguese will loseone day, and they are preparing their men for to­morrow to rule the neo-colonial regimes. That iswhy men such as Holden and Savimbi and the otherAngolan reactionaries are wanted by the Americansand are helped by them.

MONI~uwrnU: As I told you, we are not racialistin the MPLA. That is why you will see many mul­attoes in our party. And we understand that to­morrow there will be Portuguese, Americans, etc.,who will have the right to live in our country.But we must choose who is good and who is bad.wbo is a friend and who is an enemy, with regardto our objectives. We know that in America thereare some progressive people who are against whattheir government and military leaders are doing.We know that there are some communist parties and

MONIMAMBU: Morally, spe~

Vietnamese struggle is thfreedom now in the world.lidarity with those strugwe believe that the victOlour victory too. Becausemost powerful country inis able to win -- and the.tory now -- it shows us tlto fight and confident allgala.

The enemy can be very poware, or as the NATO powerldefeat them. The proof iJhave almost achieved thei]st the most powerful ene~

ship with the Vietnamesetoo are oppressed peoplemese. They are fighting

LSM: How do you see the 1

your struggle in Angola alVietnamese against U.S. il

some philanthropic organi2in favor of the war, whicprogressive people will bIt is very important forthey must know it, becausorganizations, such as UPwhich are trying to turnwhite men and mulattoes.latta is the son of a Por o

led, and that everyone whed. No! We must not fready to welcome those whour genuine friends; andWhatever his color, and hsuch.

edu­About

LSM: Do you teach people in your politicalcation program about American imperialism?international capitalism?

32

and progressives here ine ones who trained some pea­for the MP1A in the CongoAmerican monopoly capital­hat the Portuguese will lose

~ preparing their men for to-~o-colonial regimes. That isIn and Savimbi and the others are wanted by the Americansm.

tople in your political edu­American imperialism? About~~

enemy is Portuguese coloni­e must know this. But thes the United states, and~eat efforts to educate ouralism -- and particularlyrialists, the Americans.enemy of the people in the

lain that even within there progressive and socialistfighting against U.S. im -

you, we are not racialistwhy you will see many mul­And we understand that to­'ortuguese, Americans, etc.,it to live in our country.I is good and who is bad.o is an enemy, with regard, know that in America thereeople who are against What'litary leaders are doing.some communist parties and

32

some philanthropic organizations which are notin favor of the war, which want peace, and suchprogressive people will be welcomed in Angola.It is very important for our people to know this,they must know it, because there are some Angolanorganizations, such as UPA and the Savimbi group,which are trying to turn the people against allwhite men and mulattoes. They say that every mu­latto is the son of a Portuguese and must be kil­led, and that everyone who is white must be kill­ed. No! We must not follow this path. We areready to welcome those who are good, those who areour genuine friends; and the enemy is an enemy,whatever his color, and he must be treated assuch.

1SM: How do you see the relationship betweenyour struggle in Angola and the struggle of theVietnamese against U.S. imperialism?

MONIMAMBU: Morally, speaking in moral terms, theVietnamese struggle is the leading struggle forfreedom now in the world. So we are in great so­lidarity with those struggling in Vietnam. Andwe believe that the victory of the Vietnamese isour victory too. Because if Vietnam is facing themost powerful country in the capitalist world andis able to win -- and they are near to their vic­tory now -- it shows us that we must be determinedto fight and confident also of our victory in An­gola.

The enemy can be very powerful, as the Americansare, or as the NATO powers are, but we shall stilldefeat them. The proof is that in Vietnam theyhave almost achieved their victory fighting again­st the most powerful enemy. And then our relation­ship with the Vietnamese people is very close. Wetoo are oppressed people together with the Vietna­mese. They are fighting for the same rights. And

33

we are both fighting against the same commonenemy -- first of all the imperialist one. Thatis why Bome of our bases are given names suchas Viet-Angola, Nguyen Van Troy Base, Ho ChiMinh Base. etc., in solidarity with the strug­gle being carried on by the heroic people ofVietnam. One day we hope to have some of ourpeople trained by the Vietnamese. in order tobenefit in full from their rich experience inguerrilla war.

+ + + +

liberation

an excerpt from the LSM Const"Aims and Objectives"

"The major objective of the LSM.isgenuine National Liberation MovemeImperialist System. Such support iresearch and publicity, and technic

"Within North America, vast human aserve the pressing needs of Imperiastruggles to achieve genuine politiSuch struggles, and the peoples engiown. Though of different national,ONE PEOPLE WITHIN THE AMERICAN EMPIoppression achieved by OUR PEOPLE ihasten the total destruction of theof OUR PEOPLE who dwell in the "metltheir own decisive victories and lit

From left: Commanders Janginda and Toka, President Agostinho Neto,Commander Monimambu, Eastern Region Director Anibal De Melo, Com­mander Kota

34

"We believe that far too little praogiven in support of National Liberatboth capable and, in theory, desiroThe Liberation Support Movement wasglaring contradiction between theoractuality of our own contribution to

L.

474 55th St. Apt. A, Oakland, CA

7525 Rosewood St. Burnaby 1, Brl

Walnut Grove Trailer Court # 30,

P.O. Box 15210, Seattle WA 98115

LSM INI

LSM Information Center functionExecutive Committee of LSM. InSupport Movement publications,distributes material of nationaMPLA.

Funds are needed to cover printyour contribution would be grea

Please send checks or money ordInformation Center, P.O.Box 152.

Please indicate if desirous of 1cations, or in Associate Memberl

liberation support movement

:ainst the same common• imperialist one. Thatare given names such.n Troy Base, Ho Chi.ari ty wi th the strug­he heroic people ofto have some of our

tnamese, in order tor rich experience in

+

an excerpt from the LSM Constitution:"Aims and Objectives"

"The major objective of the LSM,is to provide concrete and meaningful support togenuine National Liberation Movements and Struggles within the U.S. - DominatedImperialist System. Such support is to consist primarily of essential supplies,research and publicity, and technical aid .

"Within North America, vast human and material resources are at 'our disposal toserve the pressing needs of Imperialism's super-exploited masses in their juststruggles to achieve genuine political, economic and cultural independence.Such struggles, and the peoples engaged in them, are in a very real sense ourown. Though of different national, ethnic and linguistic groupings, WE ARE ALLONE PEOPLE WITHIN THE AMERICAN EMPIRE. The victories against exploitation andoppression achieved by OUR PEOPLE in the "countryside" of the Empire serve tohasten the total destruction of the Imperialist System. They thus bring thoseof OUR PEOPLE who dwell in the "metropo1e" of the American Empire closer totheir own decisive victories and liberation.

LSM BRANCHES

LSM INFORMATION CENTER

LSM Information Center functions under the direction of the NationalExecutive Committee of LSM. In addition to publishing LiberationSupport Movement publications, the Information Center publishes anddistributes material of national liberation movements, such as theMPLA.

phone 658-3977474 55th St. Apt. A, Oakland, CA 94609

7525 Rosewood St. Burnaby 1, British Columbia Canada phone 526-0208

Walnut Grove Trailer Court # 30, Bloomington Indiana 47401 phone 9-8083

P.O. Box 15210, Seattle WA 98115 phone EA3-3989

"We believe that far too little practical and fraternal assistance has beengiven in support of National Liberation Movements by North Americans who areboth capable and, in theory, desirous of providing such vitally needed support.The Liberation Support Movement was established in order to help resolve thisglaring contradiction between theory and practice, between the potentiality andactuality of our own contribution to the anti-imperialist struggle."

Dka, President Agostinho Neto,Director Anibal De Melo, Com-

Funds are needed to cover printing costs and increased promotion ­your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

Please send checks or money orders to LIBERATION SUPPORT MOVEMENTInformation Center, P.O.Box 15210 Seattle WA 98115.

Please indicate if desirous of becoming a subscriber to LSM publi­cations, or in Associate Membership.