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Angola

Republica Popular de Angola

by zeljko heimer - 1995-11-29

Description of the flag

Horizontally devided red over black.
In the middle a golden star, part of a cog wheel and a machete. Symbol is clearly inspired by hammer and sickle, and represents industrial and agricultural workers.
Yellow is to represent mineral wealth, and red and black are said to stand for 'Freedom or Death'. Officially hoisted 1975-11-11.
zeljko heimer - 1995-11-28

The PRA adopted a flag closely based on that of the ruling MPLA : red over black with a yellow design in the centre featuring a cogwheel, machete and star.
The PRA was proclaimed by the MPLA in March 1975; it was this action which caused the final split between the MPLA, FNLA and UNITA who had previously agreed to bury their differences in the run-up to independence.
Initially, it was recognized only by radical African nations and the Communist bloc. Cuba dispatched thousands of troops to Angola in 1975 to ensure victory for the MPLA, and South Africa intervened (with tacit US backing) in support of UNITA and the FNLA.
Once South Africa became involved in the conflict, other African nations recognized the PRA and by 1976 it was also acknowledged by the Organization of African Unity.
In contrast, the United States did not recognize the PRA until 1991 - by which time the ruling MPLA had officially abandoned Marxism, and the word "People's" from the title of the country. In view of political developments, it is quite likely that a new flag will be adopted by a future Angolan government.
stuart notholt - 1996-01-10

Proposal for a New Flag

by jaume olle - 1996-09-16

Angola will adopt a new flag. The probable design currently in discussion, is attached. The additions in the flag (emblem, shield...) are unknown at this moment.
The news was indicated by a reporter who visited Angola two weeks ago.
Jaume Olle - 1996-09-16

The Angola embassy here has NO knowledge of the move towards adopting a new flag...
Bruce Berry - 1996-09-17

This would seem to be a straightforward combination of the flags and colours of the ruling MPLA party and their UNITA rivals, shorn of ideological insignia. The MPLA flag, as mentioned elsewhere, is black over red with a yellow star in the middle. The UNITA flag is red over green over red with a black cockerel and red sun emblem on the red stripe.
So the proposed flag - red over green over black combines the two Party flags while using the pan-African colours. Personally, I think the overall effect is rather boring and unimaginative, especially when compared to other new African flags such as those for Namibia and South Africa. On the other hand, Angola has had more than enough excitement over the past thirty years so any symbol around which all Angolans can unite should be welcomed.
Stuart A. Notholt - 1996-09-20