Towards an Understanding of Modern Political Ideology in Africa: The Case of the Ovimbundu of Angola
Author(s)
Heywood, Linda M.
Abstract
African pre-colonial ideologies and traditions influence the political culture of Angola as shown in the popularity of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi among Ovimbundu natives despite allegations of witchcraft trials and witch burning. The political power exerted by Ovimbundu traditional religious leaders and village elders helped Savimbi preserved his dominance in the region. Moreover, elder leaders have the power to condemn a ruler of witchcraft during the pre-colonial period.
