April 25th, 1974: The Estado Novo government in Portugal was toppled in a military coup. Over 3,500 miles away, a Portuguese colony in sub-saharan Africa saw an opportunity for freedom from their brutal colonizers.
The year is 1975, and the country of Angola exists in three main factions; the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MLPA), The National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), and The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), each being backed by different ethnic groups within the country. However, after trying to coexist, trust broke down between the three and the country was thrown into full civil war. Across the Atlantic Ocean, President Gerald Ford has called for the National Security Council, a committee of the top representatives from the government, to meet to discuss this conflict, the Angolan Civil War. Delegates will have to navigate a crisis that became one of the United States’ largest losses during the Cold War and see if they can forge a new outcome.
Chair
Crisis Director
Deborah Ruiz
Deborah Ruiz is a second year student at Florida International University pursuing a degree in Psychology. She has been participating in Model United Nations since she began at FIU and holds the title of Head of Research for the college’s collegiate team. In the future, Deborah hopes to become an academic and diplomat. She intends to study revolutionary groups and cognitive neuroscience and obtain her PhD in linguistics and cognition. Outside of MUN, Deborah works for the Commons for Justice project as a student expert where she works alongside documentary makers and community members to investigate how climate change affects black and brown communities. If not working or in MUN, you can find her ice skating, painting, reading, or playing chess. Overall, Deborah cannot wait to direct her second crisis committee for FIMUN and hopes to see you all there!