Jonas Savimbi, born on August 3, 1934, in Munhango, Portuguese Angola (now Angola), was a prominent Angolan politician and guerrilla leader. He was the founder and longtime leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), a political party and armed resistance movement. Savimbi's early life was marked by his pursuit of education and his involvement in political activism. He studied in Portugal and earned a degree in political science, later working as a journalist and teacher. However, as he witnessed the oppressive policies and discrimination faced by Angolans under Portuguese colonial rule, he became increasingly committed to fighting for Angola's independence. In 1966, Savimbi founded UNITA, which initially operated as a guerrilla movement aiming to liberate Angola from Portuguese rule. He became known for his military strategies, charismatic leadership, and determination to achieve self-determination for his country. The Angolan War of Independence ended in 1975, leading to the withdrawal of Portuguese colonial forces. However, the struggle for power and control between competing factions within Angola soon erupted into a civil war. Savimbi's UNITA became one of the major belligerent groups, fighting against the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government. Savimbi's military tactics and his ability to garner support among certain factions enabled UNITA to gain significant territory and establish control over regions of Angola. The civil war lasted for decades, devastating the country and resulting in immense human suffering. Efforts to reach a peace agreement were made in the 1990s, and Savimbi participated in multiparty negotiations. However, the peace process was fragile, and in 1992, renewed conflict broke out. The civil war finally ended in 2002 with the death of Jonas Savimbi. Jonas Savimbi's legacy remains complex and controversial. While he was admired by many as a nationalist and a symbol of resistance against colonial and later Marxist rule, others criticized his methods and accused him of human rights abuses. His leadership and role in Angola's struggle for independence and subsequent civil war have left a lasting impact on the country's history and political landscape.