The Bicesse Accords were a significant milestone in Angola's turbulent history, marking a formal agreement between the ruling party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The accords were signed on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal, in the presence of international stakeholders, including representatives from the United States and the United Nations. The negotiations were facilitated by the ongoing efforts of the international community to bring about a lasting peace after nearly 27 years of civil war sparked by the Angolan War of Independence and the subsequent power struggles between MPLA and UNITA.

The accords set forth a roadmap for peace, including important stipulations regarding disarmament, a ceasefire, and the establishment of a multi-party electoral system. The parties agreed to allow for democratic elections and aimed to create conditions that would foster national reconciliation. Although the signing was seen as a hopeful development, the implementation of the accords faced numerous challenges, including ongoing violence and distrust between the parties. Suggestions for amnesty and the reintegration of combatants were significant components of the negotiations, and the accords represented a crucial attempt to stabilize the nation amidst its fractured political landscape.

The fallout from the Bicesse Accords can be traced through the continuing tensions and conflict that plagued Angola even after their signing. Although the accords initially offered a glimmer of hope, the lack of adherence to the provisions by both sides led to further civil unrest. As a result, the conflict continued until the late 1990s, showing that while the Bicesse Accords were a crucial beginning, they were not sufficient to guarantee lasting peace without sustained commitment from all parties involved.