Introduction 

During the 1960s, a wave of decolonization movements swept through Africa. However, Portugal, led by António de Oliveira Salazar, has refused to give up control of its colonial lands. He has argued that Angola, Mozambique, and Portuguese Guinea were not colonies, but overseas territories. This tension could potentially spark violence. The push for colonial independence has had strong effects in Europe. It has also led to successful movements and the creation of new independent states, such as Goa in 1961. These movements have also drawn the attention of other world powers, serving as a new battleground in the struggle for power in the Cold War.

Now, the UN has started to take a more active role. The UN has denounced the use of violence and has begun to discuss the question of self-rule for those territories. This discussion will have wide-ranging effects, beyond just Portugal’s territories, and could impact the status of overseas territories for years to come.

The Growing Resistance in Portuguese Africa

Current independence movements in Africa during 1962 can trace their origins back several years. In 1956, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was formed in Guinea-Bissau. The PAIGC was founded by Amílcar Cabral, an agronomist who attended university in Portugal. Their platform is intended to improve education, the economy, and health services in the country. Around that same time, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was formed. The MPLA is a product of nationalist ideals that began to spread among intellectuals in Africa after World War II. The MPLA is popular in the city of Luanda and among some rural communities of the Mbundu people.

These two groups struggled to gain traction in their early days but have since found their footing. Later, in Mozambique, the Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO) was formed in June 1962. This was a union of a few different movements. At the start, this led to some challenges in forming a new structure. However, the groups were unified in their goal of independence and have since found common ground. They are currently led by Dr. Eduardo Mondlane, a sociologist and former UN employee. Portuguese officials tried to persuade him to join their administration, but he refused due to his commitment to independence.

In December 1961, India’s win in Goa showed that even territories with a strong European presence could find ways to break free. This event made people start to question the strength of Portugal’s control over its African territories. This was a key moment that led resistance movements to become more organized. On February 4, 1961, the MPLA launched an attack on a prison in Luanda, Angola’s capital. Seven police officers were killed. This began the formal war of independence with Portugal.

Later that year, the PAIGC and the MPLA came together to form the Conference of Nationalist Organizations of the Portuguese Colonies (CONCP). FRELIMO joined shortly after its founding, in 1962. The CONCP was meant to coordinate different groups’ efforts to fight back against Portuguese influence. Little is known about their plans or if any action has been taken through the group. However, the creation of the CONCP shows that independence movements throughout Africa are becoming more serious and active.

The most recent activity has occurred in Angola, where the MPLA recently held a conference in Leopoldville to reorganize its structure. Agostinho Neto has been nominated to be its leader. Neto is an Angolan poet and former member of the Angolan Communist Party (PCA). He has been active in seeking foreign support for the MPLA. Although the MPLA is still relatively small, this is a major shift that could lead to greater action against Portuguese control over Angola.

The United Nations Push for Decolonization 

As tensions rise, the UN has become more concerned. To quell these tensions, the UN has urged its members to stop any actions that could oppress their overseas territories. Within the UN, other African and Asian countries oppose Portugal and want overseas territories to gain their independence. But the United States and European countries are divided, as they all have their own interests in these regions. As of December 1962, there is still no formal National Reconciliation Plan. Additionally, any resolution that would allow for peaceful decolonization must address the fact that Portugal refuses to accept the term “colony,” instead favoring the term “overseas province.”

In 1961, the UN created the Special Committee on Decolonization. It is also known as the C-24, named for its 24 contemporary member states. The C-24 aims to review the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to see if member states have followed through and freed their colonies. The Declaration grants all colonies the right to self-determination. The review was meant to determine if there were still any forms of oppression in the former colonies and to help them on the path toward independence. This was a milestone for the independence movements, as it reinforced the importance of human rights and international law. However, Portugal has not yet followed its recommendations.

Recently, the UN General Assembly passed two major resolutions. First, Resolution 1807 (XVII) formally condemned Portugal. It called for the end of its repression of its territories and began negotiations for their independence. It also approved the report made by the Special Committee on Territories under Portuguese Administration. Once the report was approved, Resolution 1809 (XVII) dissolved the Special Committee. This ended its investigation, so the UN could start acting on it. This indicates that the UN wants to take direct action to resolve this matter quickly and peacefully to reduce the chance of violence.

Conclusion 

As of December 1962, independence movements in Africa have gained support, organized, and started armed attacks. The UN has condemned Portugal’s actions and is trying to help its territories. This era of uncertainty has led to many questions about the future of these territories. It is up to the UN to balance calls for independence with concerns about global stability. While the General Assembly debates decolonization, the Security Council works to prevent violence and maintain peace.

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