55 Day War

The 55 Day War (Portuguese: Guerra dos 55 Dias) occurred in Angola, following the elections of 1992, when the city of Huambo was disrupted by a confrontation between the MPLA and UNITA. The war lasted 55 days, beginning on 9 January 1993. Over those days, the city was destroyed and lay in ruins. Many people died, and bodies were left in the streets.

After 55 days of armed conflict, UNITA gained control and the MPLA retired to Benguela. As a consequence of this conflict, Huambo lost its hegemony over other Angolan cities, having lost its industrial base, schools, universities, and homes.

See also

• Angolan Civil War
• Angolan legislative election, 1992
• Angolan presidential election, 1992