Angola April 2005 |
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| Operation deports 270,000 foreign citizens, (Angola Press Agency, 2005-04-08):-About 270.000 foreigners who were involved in illegal prospecting of diamond in Angolan provinces of Lunda-Norte, Bie, Malanje and Lunda-Sul, were repatriated under the "Brilhante" operation carried out between 2004 and February 2005. According to the last edition of National Police magazine "Tranqulity", issued this week, the operation aimed at dismantling the gang of illegal diamond prospectors and locate and repatriate illegal foreign citizens, mainly from Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo and West Africa countries. There are already about 20.000 to 30.000 illegal foreign citizens in those areas. Lunda-Norte province records the greatest rate of illegal diamond prospecting and immigration. The operation, carried out by the National Police and the Armed Forces, for 10 months, led to the seizure of several equipment in the prospecting of diamonds, huge quantity of diamonds, pump-dredges, scales, radio stations, diver equipment and computing networks. The deputy National Commander for Protection and Intervention, Paulo de Almeida, is quoted by "Tranquility" as having said the operation was positive as the goals were reached by 70 percent. "Brilhante" operation was a great step as the Angolans were being discredited both in terms of culture, economy or even politically. "There were areas in which most of the population were foreigners", he explained. The source said micro-operations will continue to discourage the illegal entry of foreign citizens. | |
South African Migration Project (SAMP) - Queen's University - http://www.queensu.ca/samp |