STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE IN ANGOLA

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the ongoing structural violence in Angola and outline the theoretical framework that are associated with it. Despite the end of the long civil war and the glimmer of peace, post-Cold War and political parties´ ideologies have deeply dived the country up to now. The MPLA government has used brutality against the opposition and incited physical and symbolic violence against the Bakongo and Ovimbundu ethnic groups. Indeed, the signing of the ceasefire in 2002 after the death of Jonas Savimbi did not bring true reconciliation in Angola. Political motivated crimes, the use of excessive force and brutality, kidnapping, mass killing and human rights abuse are common in Angola. Hence, the following guidingquestion arises: How can structural violence be fought in Angola? The theoretical research was based on Bourdieu's concepts of symbolic violence. Qualitative, bibliographic, documentary and empirical studies, with the collection of secondary data were carried out. The results can be fundamental in the search for solutions to promote reconciliation, tolerance and social cohesion through the peaceful resolution of conflicts for the progress of Angola and the humanity as well.