Information specific to the above-mentioned topic could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB. However, the following information may be useful. According to Encyclopedia of the Third World, the Bakongo are located in northwest Angola and make up 25 per cent of the population (1992, 41). The Kimbundu "occupy the terrain inland from Luanda," and are "culturally but not ethnically related to the Bakongo," (ibid.). According to 6 November 1994, Los Angles Times report, the Kimbundu support the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), while the Bakongo support the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA). This source states that there is a deep enmity among Angolans based on ethnicity and ideology (ibid.).

A 7 August 1994 The Dallas Morning News report attributes these tribal animosities to the legacy of slavery: "The Ovimbundi tribe, in Huambo and the rest of the central highlands, fought the Kimbundu tribe on the coast. They fought the smaller Bakongo and Luanda groups in the north. The divisions continue today and help explain why Angola's battle goes on." (ibid.).

A 20 May 1994 St. Louis Post-Dispatch states that "Jonas Savimbi's, (leader of the National Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), unwillingness to accept the results of the democratic elections of September 1992 led to the renewal of the 16-year-old civil war that has pitted his Ovimbundu followers (Bakongo allies) against their Kimbundu and mixed-race compatriots." (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

The Dallas Morning News [Dallas]. 7 Sunday 1994. Home Final Edition. David L. Marcus. "Angola: The Cold War Ended and the Players Moved On. As the World Watches in Rwanda Horror, Victims of Battles that Never Ended Play Out Their Lives Without the Attention of Those Who Left the Weapons That Destroy Their Homes." (NEXIS)

Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 4th Ed. Vol. 1. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts on File.

Los Angeles Times [Los Angeles]. 6 November 1994.Home Edition. Adonis E. Hoffman. "The World: Another Cease-fire Agreement in Angola –And Africa's Longest War Rages On." (NEXIS)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 20 May 1994. 5 Star Edition. Victor T. Le Vine. "Ambitious Leaders Incite Ethnic Violence Column" (NEXIS)

The Dallas Morning News [Dallas]. 7 Sunday 1994. Home Final Edition. David L. Marcus. "Angola: The Cold War Ended and the Players Moved On. As the World Watches in Rwanda Horror, Victims of Battles that Never Ended Play Out Their Lives Without the Attention of Those Who Left the Weapons That Destroy Their Homes." (NEXIS)

Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 4th Ed. Vol. 1. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts on File.

Los Angeles Times [Los Angeles]. 6 November 1994.Home Edition. Adonis E. Hoffman. "The World: Another Cease-fire Agreement in Angola –And Africa's Longest War Rages On." (NEXIS)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 20 May 1994. 5 Star Edition. Victor T. Le Vine. "Ambitious Leaders Incite Ethnic Violence Column" (NEXIS)