Debate continued over preparations for September 2006 elections. President Dos Santos asked Supreme Court to rule on constitutionality of electoral law.

Clashes reported between government forces and separatists in oil-rich Cabinda province; FLEC separatists claimed 20 Angolan troops killed Buco Zau and Necuto regions; denied by provincial authorities. FLEC said Angolan forces massing Congo-Brazzaville and DR Congo in preparation for June offensive. Angolan reconstruction to cost $30b over next decade according to World Bank.

Opposition parties walked out of parliamentary commission, complaining National Electoral Commission, designed to oversee 2006 elections, controlled by ruling MPLA party; national assembly subsequently April by 120 to 60 votes.

Army accused of continuing human rights abuse in oil-rich Cabinda province.

Debate began on preparations for scheduled September 2006 elections: key issues include voter registration, role of electoral commission, and concerns over highly-armed civilian population. Angola’s first justice ombudsman appointed; human rights activists criticised opaque process, forcing public hearing. Oil began to flow from Bomboco field in separatist Cabinda province; tens of thousands took part in autonomy march 31 January.

UNHCR announced 50,000 refugees repatriated in 2004, short of 90,000 objective. Human Rights Watch claimed large-scale human rights abuse Cabinda province following defeat of separatist insurgency.

Post-conflict recovery ongoing. Government promised clamp-down on diamond smuggling.

Dispute threatening access of World Food Program to Angola resolved 25 October as suspended aid flights resumed. Deepwater oil reserves discovered off coast of Republic of Congo and Angola’s separatist Cabinda province.

Embattled separatist factions in oil-rich Cabinda province agreed merger 8 September. Cabindan separatists hoped step will force substantive negotiations with Luanda. UN began voluntary repatriation program for Angolan refugees with air-lift from Namibia; process to be completed before rainy season makes transport impossible.

Angolan government announced election planned for September 2006, but conditional on series of technical and constitutional steps to provide electoral framework. UNITA former rebel movement welcomed long-awaited move and returned to electoral commission 26 August, but criticised earlier prevarication and late election date.