The Bicesse Accords were a landmark agreement signed in Portugal between the Angolan government led by President José Eduardo dos Santos and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), headed by Jonas Savimbi. This agreement was pivotal in the quest for peace in Angola, which had been embroiled in civil conflict since the end of Portuguese colonial rule. Under the auspices of the United Nations, the accords sought to dismantle the existing conflict and pave the way for a new political landscape characterized by democracy and civil participation.

The accords laid out a comprehensive roadmap that included an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of UNITA’s forces, and the establishment of a multi-party democracy. This transition was to be monitored closely by UNAVEM II, the second United Nations Angola Verification Mission, which had been deployed to oversee various stages of the peace process. Additionally, provisions were made for the establishment of channels for political dialogue among diverse factions to ensure a fair electoral process, culminating in elections that were aimed at legitimizing the new government through the will of the people.

The signing of the Bicesse Accords was also marked by the involvement of international actors, including representatives from the United States, Portugal, and Brazil, who sought to ensure the credibility and sustainability of the peace process. The political and social implications of the accords were profound, as they set the stage for Angola's first multi-party elections. Despite challenges and subsequent hostilities that arose even after the signing, the Bicesse Accords were a significant step toward achieving lasting peace and a more democratic governance structure in Angola.