From: "Grand Trunk" Subject: ANGOLA by Gameshop - Replay Angola By Brad Fallon Played January 22, 1999 in Malton, Ontario Canada Posted January 26, 1999 A Brief Background of the Conflict The date is October 1, 1975. The Portuguese have finally divested themselves of their colonial empire and Angola is now an independent nation. Unfortunately, there are three liberation armies that are now vying for control of the government. Currently, the MPLA (Popular Front for the Liberation of Angola) is in control of the government and the capital Luanda. Dr. Agostinho Neto MD., the leader of this movement, has secured monetary assistance from the USSR and actual military help from Cuba. His forces also have nominal control of the enclave of Cabinda (formerly the Portuguese Congo) although there is some strong resistance to this control from the FLEC (Front for the Liberation of the Cabinda Enclave)under the leadership of Luis Ranque Franque. To the north, the forces of the FNLA (National Front for the Liberation of Angola) under Holden Roberto are gathering and are a mere 75 miles from Luanda. During the Angolan War for Independence, the FNLA were considered the favourite group to control the government. Attempts by Agostinho Neto in 1962 to merge his MPLA with Neto's FNLA failed because of Neto's insistance that his movement had sole authority in Angola. The fortunes changed in the mid-60's when, with the support of Zambia and Tanzania, Dr. Neto was able to lead the MPLA into an open conflict with the Portuguese. By 1975, the MPLA was the dominant force in Angola and was supported by the largest majority of the people. The FNLA had lost much international support except for the of Mobuto sese Seko of Zaire. Realising his weakness and lack of support, Roberto has entered into an alliance with another competing liberation movement, UNITA (National Union for Total Independence of Angola). Unita was founded by Jonas Savimbi in 1966. Savimbi started his career as a Foreign Minister in Holden Roberto's FNLA Government in exile in Kinshasa. Due to some major policy differences between him and Roberto, Savimbi quit and formed the rival UNITA force. Unita's support is in the south and central portions of Angola and among the Ovimbundu tribes. Billing himself as an anti-communist, much of Savimbi's support comes from South Africans and clandestinely from the American CIA. ****************************************************************** This is the opening situation for the Angola game. Not to be confused with the Ragnar Brothers game of the same name, this was published in 1979 by Gameshop. I am playing the MPLA and my brother-in-law Randy, is playing the FNLA / UNITA coalition. ****************************************************************** October 1, 1999 - Kinshasa With independence only a few months old, the stability of Angola is being questioned as three competing forces and ideologies strive for control of the government. Large FNLA troops movements have been confirmed about 75 miles to the north of the Angolan capital of Luanda, and towards the Cuanza River Corridor. The Cuanza River Corridor is a 75 mile wide, 125 mile long corridor that links the MPLA forces in Luanda, with their controlled areas centred on Henrique de Carvalho in the east. Although there is not a lot of movement in the eastern areas, forces of UNITA and the MPLA have started to mass along the Benguela Railway, an essential link for Zaire's notoriously unlawful province of Katanga. The railway also serves as an eastern gateway for the landlocked countries of Zambia and Malawi. Earlier this week, FNLA forces were seen crossing the Congo River at Matadi and are assumed to be making for Cabinda Enclave. Sources here confirm that in response to this FNLA initiative, the ruling MPLA have dispatched a regiment to Pointe Noir in the People's Republic of Congo. From there, the MPLA forces would have an easy dash into Cabinda should the FNLA enter the enclave. As the situation here is very fluid, no one can predict the response that the rebel FLEC group will make when confronted by the two competing forces. *For the BBC, I am Robert Scully. ******************************************************************** October 7, 1975 - Lusaka The Civil War in Angola has begun to heat up and pressure is mounting against the beseiged MPLA government of Agostinho Neto. As rumoured talks continued between the FNLA and the FLEC of Cabinda, Neto's MPLA forces stationed in neighbouring Congo, staged a daring attack against the FLEC forces in Massabi. The FLEC retreated into the jungle and now is expected to join the FNLA against the ruling MPLA government. Tensions are mounting in Luanda though as reports of huge airlifts of supplies from Kinshasa, are being dropped on FNLA forces around Quifangondo, which is a mere 50 miles from the capital. Heavy fighting was reported between FNLA and MPLA forces just to the east of Quifangondo. Reports state that an entire FNLA regiment was surrounded and then destroyed by government forces. Fears that a major rebel offensive is about to start has led many in this war weary city to contemplate immigrating to Portugal. Yet this small government victory has relaxed some of the inhabitants and has taken some of the pressure off of the MPLA postions in the Quifangondo sector. To the east, forces of UNITA and the MPLA are said to be engaged over control of the Benguela Railway. Unsubstantiated rumours abound about a large Cuban force being held in reserve in Luanda. *Peter Mansbridge, CBC NEWS ******************************************************************** October 14, 1975 - Luanda This week saw some very heavy fighting in the Cuanza River Corridor. A huge offensive, spearheaded by a crack regiment of Cuban soldiers, managed to liberate almost half of the corridor. Although not broken, the FNLA reverses have given President Agostinho Neto much to celebrate and Holden Roberto's rebel FNLA army much to fear. President Neto explained that the FNLA troops fought a losing battle during the first attack, but simply ran for their collective lives when they saw the Cubans trying to re-engage them. In a surprising turn of events, a well placed source has confirmed that MPLA troops abandoned the Cabinda Enclave in the face of the overwhelming combined rebel forces of the FLEC and the FNLA. To the south, the UNITA forces of Jonas Savimbi, have been quiet as the MPLA government forces stand on guard along the narrow stretch of coastline that it still holds control over. Savimbi's attention has been towards the eastern provinces near the Zairean border. A mixed array of UNITA troops engaged a small force of MPLA Government troops who were garrisoning the railway town of Lusa. After hours of fighting, the MPLA troops abandoned the town, allowing the UNITA troops to enter. At this point, Savimbi's rebels now control over 2/3rds of the strategic Benguela Railway. This Zairean and Zambian lifeline is now virtually unusable and has already had adverse economic effects on the unstable economy of Zambia. The Zambian government, originally a supporter of the FNLA, has now begun to support the stronger UNITA rebel army, allowing supplies to be flown from Lusaka. Rather than quieting down, there is a tension here in Angola and an expectation that things are going to get much worse. Although both the FNLA and the UNITA forces have had some small victories, it will only be a bloody push on Luanda that will end this war unless a negotiated settlement can be reached. *Dan Rather for ABC News ************************************************************** To be continued. If you have made it this far, and thank you if you have, then stay tuned. The game is completed but the task of putting all my notes into print, takes a little longer than expected. I hope you don't mind the T.V. news flash format. I remember when this war was constantly a news worthy item. It brings back some memories and damn, writing this is almost more fun than playing the game. All the best, Brad ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com From: "Grand Trunk" Subject: ANGOLA Part 2 - by Gameshop - Replay Angola By Brad Fallon Played January 22, 2000 in Malton, Ontario Canada Posted January 26, 2000 October 21, 1975 - Lusaka The wide-spread fears in the capital of Luanda have been realised this week as a concerted offensive by the rebel FNLA troops under Holden Roberto made large gains in this 3 week civil war. Convinced of the vulnerability of the ruling MPLA government under Agostinho Neto, the other rebel force under Jonas Savimbi,UNITA, also began to gain ground on the southern coast of Angola. With the enclave of Cabinda secured, FNLA's Roberto turned his attention to his southern front. It was only last week where around the town of Quilfangondo. the MPLA had some strong success. Three days ago, a major push all along the FNLA's southern front was begun. There were major successes in the area known as the Cuanza River Corridor where it is reported that a large Cuban regiment was decimated by surrounding fire from the FNLA. Losses for the MPLA were very high in this area and have left the area firmly in FNLA control. Although the FNLA also managed to take the town of Quilfangondo, they lost control again after some heavy fighting with the MPLA. Quilfangondo is recognised for its strategic importance, being the last town on the road that leads to Luanda and the seat of power. Savimbi's Unita rebels also had some successes in the south of the country. Most significant, is the capture of the coastal town of Benguela, whcih is also the ocean terminus for the strategic Benguela Railway. It is also rumoured that that South African helicopter gun ships were supporting the UNITA thrust from their bases at Grootfontein in Southwest Africa. Although it is confirmed that the South Africans have been supplying supplies and training to Samvimbi's troops, this would be the first action that involved actual South African troops. As more countries become embroiled in this civil war, it has become evident that Angola will be the next battlefield in the ongoing Cold War. Celine Galipeau - Radio Canada International ********************************************************************* October 28, 1975 - Lagos A week ago, it appeared as though the rebel FNLA group under Holden Roberto was poised to march the final 50 miles into the capital of Luanda. This week, the forces are at a virtual standstill. Even with the addition of some regiments from neighbouring Zaire, it appears as though Zairean President Mobuto sese Seko, has turned the food and ammunition tap off. Unconfirmed reports are coming in that the FNLA simply cannot feed their troops. The trickle of food that is coming in, is simply not enough to sustain any worthwhile offensive. This runs completely counter to the UNITA front in the south and east of Angola. There is a marked increase in South African support for Jonas Savimbi's rebels. MPLA government officials today showed pictures of South African attack helicopters and at least two armoured battalions making for the UNITA front lines. UNITA now controls some 50% of Angola as well as most of the Benguela Railway. This week, a determined effort saw major gains along the southern coast. Lobito was attacked and captured two days ago. Savimbi was on hand to take a 'victory' drive through the town but had a luke-warm reception. Often identified with the Ovinbundu tribe, the predominantly ex-Portuguese inhabitants of Lobito were noticeably overwrought with the defeat of the MPLA. The MPLA government has shored up their defenses on the narrow coastline with Cuban armoured infantry units. Meanwhile in Luanda, Cuban ships are lining the piers with supplies and armaments for the MPLA forces. The airport is also busy receiving flights from Brazzaville in the Congo. Rumours are that the Soviets are filtering supplies into Luanda via their Congolese allies. Jeffrey Wilkens - The Strait Times **************************************************************** November 4, 1975 - Luanda Problems for the FNLA rebel leader Holden Roberto were compounded today when his major supply centre, the town of Ambriz, was captured by the ruling MPLA communist forces of Agostinho Neto. It is reported that Roberto is arranging for supplies to be routed by ship from Matadi in Zaire to the port of Ambrizete, which is a mere 50 miles up the coast from Ambriz. Once considered the prime candidate for governing Angola after independence, Roberto's chances are becoming very slim as his forces seem to be disintegrating and disappearing. Luandan's, loyal to the MPLA woke to the shock of the news that the UNITA forces had captured the towns of Senta Comba and Quibala, both strategically situated towns in the undulating and rocky hills that separate the coast area from the upper plateau of the interior. The disintegration of his FNLA allies, does not seem to be dampening the UNITA force's spirits. In an intervies from his headquarters in the town of Huambo, Jonas Savimbi estimated that he would be in Luanda by the first week of December. The civil war here in Angola is now 6 weeks old. It is estimated that over 8000 military personal and possibly as many as 12,000 civilians have already died in this conflict. Jeffrey Simpson, The Globe and Mail ******************************************************************* November 11, 1975 - Kinshasa Although fighting between the rebel UNITA forces and the ruling MPLA armies in the central coastal area of Angola resulted in only some small arms fire this week, tension in other areas mounted. Four weeks ago, UNITA forces were celebrating the capture of their first MPLA town. Today, that same town of Luso, which is situated for to the east near the Zairean border, was recaptured by forces loyal to Agostinho Neto. Unsubstantiated reports from UNITA forces in Huambo, state that a large contingent of uniformless soldiers were part of the MPLA attacking force. Heard to speak both French and English, this is being assumed to be some mercenary force from the rebellious Katangan Province of Zaire. The fortunes of the FNLA took another turn for the worse this week. Neto, concentrating on his northern front, made huge territorial gains against the FNLA around the Cuanza River Corridor. For the most part, the FNLA forces retreated into the jungles before full contact could be made. Stiff resistance was met in the form of the so-called Chipenda Brigade. Daniel Chipenda, like Jonas Savimbi, was a member of Neto's MPLA Cabinet. Sighting differences with Neto, Chipenda formed an MPLA splinter group and promptly disappeared with a small force into Southwest Africa. Rumoured to have had military training from the South Africans, he joined the FNLA cause and is now fighting in the Cuanza Corridor. Luis Alviero - Voice of Portugal **************************************************************** To be continued - I hope to finish this thing by tomorrow night. I will try to keep the reports a little shorter I think. I am getting a little carried away here. Brad ____________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com From: "Grand Trunk" Subject: Re: ANGOLA - Final Angola By Brad Fallon Played January 22, 2000 in Malton, Ontario Canada Posted January 28, 2000 November 11, 1975 - Lusaka FNLA forces under the rebel leader, Holden Roberto today attempted to re-assert their control of the strategic Cuanza River Corridor but to no avail. Strong opposition from the ruling MPLA forces prevented them from gaining any territory. Short of supplies from Zaire, it would appear that the FNLA have begun withdrawing from their front lines in order to shorten their supply lines. Meanwhile, in the eastern province of Benguela, UNITA force under Jonas Savimbi lost control of the railway town of Luso. Considered a great victory in the early weeks of the civil war here in Angola, the loss now is not considered to detrimental considering the ground that UNITA have gained against the MPLA on the coastline. Roger Abbot - NBC News ***************************************************************** November 18, 1999 - Johannesburg The slow withdrawl of FNLA troops towards Zaire has continued although the occasional thrust was made in order to protect the retreating troops. UNITA forces continued their push along the Atlantic coastline and captured the city of Novo Redondo. This port town was being held by a large Cuban force. Later in the day, the Cubans managed a counter -attack and was able to recapture the town. In the hill country, UNITA forces continued to push the MPLA back and captured numerous small and insignificant towns in the region, but week by week, the UNITA forces seem to be getting closer to the capital, Luanda. Peter Jennings - ABC News ******************************************************************** November 25, 1975 - Luanda In a stunning development today, MPLA leaders announced that President Agostinho Neto was assassinated today by a joint UNITA/South African attack on his headquarters in the town of Novo Redondo. Jonas Savimbi, leader of the rebel UNITA forces, claims that there was no specific intention to kill Neto, but that he was at the front during a UNITA offensive and was a casualty of war. It is reported that a number of top ranking officials, both military and civilian, were killed when the MPLA headquarters was destroyed. The Cuban forces at Novo Redondo managed to retake the town a second time but no one is sure on what the future of the MPLA is now, considering the death of their leader. Neto, originally a medical doctor, has led the MPLA for 20 years during its fight to free Angola from the Portuguese. In related news, UNITA forces also retook the town of Luso in the eastern province of Benguela. Alison Post - BBC News ******************************************************************** December 2, 1975 - Luanda Luanda is a city in chaos. The city is full of retreating Cuban military personal who are loading up ships and embarking for Cuba. The Cubans, along with the Katangan mercenary forces, have abandoned the MPLA after the death of their charismatic leader, Agostinho Neto. Among the chaos around here, are rumours that the remaining MPLA forces on the coast, have all moved morth to punch a hole through the rebel FNLA troops, so that they can escape into the interior of Angola. All MPLA forces will probably make for the town of Henrique de Caravalho in the east near the Zairean border. Luanda now appears defenseless against the oncoming horde of UNITA troops. Chaos is everywhere as residents attempt to leave the city for destinations throughout Africa, and the world. Foreign diplomats and journalists have also started to leave the city. Meanwhile, the airport is now packed with Soviet sponsored supplies that are still being flown in from Brazzaville in the People's Republic of Congo. Celine Galipeau - Radio Canada International ******************************************************************** December 9, 1975 - Luanda The MPLA rout in the south is almost complete. Only some small straggling forces now stand between Luanda, and the rebel forces of Jonas Savimbi's UNITA troops. It is reported that there has been very little opposition in the south. This is in contrast to some very vicious MPLA attacks in the north against the FNLA. Ambriz was retaken for the second time by the MPLA and a barrage of attacks pushed the FNLA troops 75 miles back. It is thought that the MPLA are trying to break out of the Luanda enclave now as the UNITA troops come barrelling in. Within the city of Luanda, the Cuban's continue their evacuation. There have been reports of fire exchanges between the Cuban's and their previous allies, the MPLA. Sasha Petrcic - CBC News ********************************************************************** December 16, 1975 - Matadi As was expected, Luanda fell to the Unita forces of Jonas Savimbi today. There was no bloodletting and a calm has fallen over the city. MPLA forces, caught between the advancing MPLA and FNLA troops surrendered on mass today. Savimbi entered the city to the cheers of his troops and has already sent for his government in exile, both in Huambo in central Angola, and in Kinshasa, Zaire, to fly to Luanda and begin the process of governing the country. Savimbi has announced, to no ones surprise, that elections will be held off until the entire country is rid of any rebel forces. He also stated that a small splinter group of ex-MPLA centred in Benguela province would have to be dealt with. Rumours are already circulating that the FNLA have begun discussions with the MPLA-splinter group. It will be up to Savimbi to work out a governing formula between his UNITA and the FNLA - but that, is another story. And thus ends the Angolan Civil War ********************************************************************* Strategic Game Play ------------------- I obviously made a few mistakes here - the biggest was having my Neto HQ unit so close to the front lines. Basically the unit only gives you a +1 in defence but if you lose the unit, every unit attacks at -2 for the rest of the game. That explains my sudden rout, there was not a unit on the board that could attack at better than 1-2 odds. Randy and I decided to call the game when he took Luanda - I wanted to do it sooner but he insisted on wanting one more turn of 'glory'. I feel as the MPLA, I spent too much energy trying to protect that damn Cuanza River Corridor. I should have let it go as I could still fly supplies between Luanda and the eastern province. I also made some supply mistakes in the beginning which did not allow me to really get an offensive going in the beginning. I thought Randy did quite well with the FNLA/UNITA forces. The FNLA is strong in the beginning but peters out pretty quickly as the supply seems to slow down to a trickle. Historically, this was an MPLA victory. If I could have held on a few more turns, I was just beginning to get 4 supply units a turn. Supply is everything in this game. I will post a review of the game as well, thus giving everyone a better idea of how the systems work. This is a great little game though. Thank you for reading. Brad (Neto dead man) Fallon ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com