ABSTRACT
The Benguela line became part of the South African issue. In the event, the only line that remained open and provided guaranteed transport was that to the south, ending at East London, South Africa. The mineral-rich areas of central southern Africa, particularly the copper belt in Shaba Province and the adjacent parts of Zambia, are located far from the coast. Although copper is vital for the economy, the key minerals at issue are cobalt in Zaire Province and chromium in Zimbabwe. To the west is the Benguela Railway and to the east the Tanzam Railway. The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), supported by Soviet aid and the Cuban military, was located broadly in the central area. In December 1988, following US mediation, agreement was reached between Angola, Cuba and South Africa under which there would be a South African military withdrawal from Namibia in 1989 and a phased departure of Cuban troops from Angola by mid-1991.
