Jump to navigation

Vol 42 No 2

Published 26th January 2001


Angola

Ciao João

Speculation about the departure of General João de Matos, Chief of General Staff of the Forças Armadas Angolanas, suggests he may be Luanda's first casualty from the 'Angolagate' sanctions-busting scandal which threatens the highest reaches of France's political establishment (AC Vol 41 Nos 24 & 25). De Matos' tactical acumen is credited with the FAA's striking military turnaround in 1994. Arrest warrants have been issued in France for two foreign nationals who were granted Angolan citizenship - Pierre Falcone (detained) and Arkady Gaidamak - and who were the principals in a US$130 million arms deal in 1993. Official Angolan sources told Africa Confidential that De Matos remains in his post 'but we cannot be certain about the future'.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 516 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.