Research Project: Cabinda and self-determination

Cabinda is a small though  extremely oil-rich territory situated in west central Africa. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Congo to the north and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the east and south. Despite the fact that it is geographically separated from Angola by a narrow piece of land of the DRC, it is considered to be a northern province of Angola since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and subsequent occupation of Cabinda.

This was the beginning of an armed struggle that continues to this day.  Vitoria is conducting historical and legal research into Cabinda to get a better understanding of the status of Cabinda and other issues surrounding the territory. It consists of an inquiry into the historical background of the territory as well as the relevant treaties, as well as the right to self-determination and its application to the current situation in Cabinda.