How did Angola's MPLA differ from UNITA in their independence goals?

The MPLA sought a socialist, centralised state, while UNITA aimed for a democratic, federal system in independent Angola.

The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) were the two main factions fighting for Angola's independence from Portugal in the 1970s. However, their visions for an independent Angola were fundamentally different. The MPLA, led by Agostinho Neto, was a Marxist-Leninist group that sought to establish a socialist, centralised state. They were heavily influenced by the Soviet Union and Cuba, both of which provided significant military and financial support to the MPLA.

On the other hand, UNITA, under the leadership of Jonas Savimbi, advocated for a democratic, federal system. They believed in a more decentralised form of government, with power distributed among the provinces. UNITA was supported by Western powers, including the United States and South Africa, who were keen to prevent the spread of communism in Africa during the Cold War.

The MPLA's vision for Angola was heavily influenced by their Marxist-Leninist ideology. They believed in the abolition of private property, the nationalisation of key industries, and the establishment of a planned economy. They also sought to eradicate the traditional tribal structures that were prevalent in Angolan society, viewing them as a hindrance to the creation of a unified, socialist state.

In contrast, UNITA's vision was shaped by their commitment to democratic principles and their respect for traditional tribal structures. They believed in the protection of private property, the promotion of free market principles, and the preservation of tribal structures as a means of ensuring local autonomy and cultural diversity.

In essence, the MPLA and UNITA represented two different ideological paths for Angola's future. The MPLA's vision was shaped by their commitment to socialist principles and their desire to create a centralised, unified state. UNITA, on the other hand, sought to establish a democratic, federal system that respected traditional tribal structures and promoted economic liberalism. These contrasting visions were a major factor in the protracted civil war that followed Angola's independence in 1975.