Environment and the Politics of Oil in Northern Angola
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Crude Existence: Environment and the Politics of Oil in Northern Angola Kristin Reed Published in association with University of California Press Description: After decades of civil war and instability, the African country of Angola is experiencing a spectacular economic boom thanks to its most valuable natural resource: oil. But oil extraction—both on and offshore—is a toxic remedy for the country’s economic ills, with devastating effects on both the environment and traditional livelihoods. Focusing on the everyday realities of people living in the extraction zones, Kristin Reed explores the exclusion, degradation, and violence that are the bitter fruits of petro-capitalism in Angola. She emphasizes the failure of corporate initiatives to offset the destructive effects of their activities. Author: Kristin Reed holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a program consultant to humanitarian and environmental nonprofit organizations. Review: “An absolutely necessary work of political ecology. Centering on the polluted, impoverished coastal communities of northwest Angola, Crude Existence convincingly shows how the ‘curse of oil’ in extractive regions is a curse of political opacity and environmental violence, among other factors. It would be of great value to the people of Angola if this book could be widely read.” —Jean-Michel Mabeko-Tali, Howard University Crude Existence UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 1 8/26/2009 10:15:54 PM A banner hanging over the main road to Cabinda city bears the words of Agostinho Neto, Angola’s first president: “The most important [concern] is to resolve the problems of the people.” UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 2 8/26/2009 10:15:54 PM Crude Existence Environment and the Politics of Oil in Northern Angola Kristin Reed Global, Area, and International Archive University of California Press Berkeley Los Angeles London UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 3 8/26/2009 10:15:54 PM The Global, Area, and International Archive (GAIA) is an initiative of International and Area Studies, University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with the University of California Press, the California Digital Library, and international research programs across the UC system. GAIA volumes, which are published in both print and open- access digital editions, represent the best traditions of regional studies, reconfigured through fresh global, transnational, and thematic perspectives. University of California Press, one of the most distinguished university presses in the United States, enriches lives around the world by advancing scholarship in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its activities are supported by the UC Press Foundation and by philanthropic contributions from individuals and institutions. For more information, visit www.ucpress.edu. University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles, California University of California Press, Ltd. London, England © 2009 by The Regents of the University of California Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Reed, Kristin, 1977 – Crude existence : environment and the politics of oil in Northern Angola / Kristin Reed. p. cm. (Global, area, and international archive ; 12) Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index. isbn 978-0-520-25822-8 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Petroleum industry and trade — Angola. 2. Petroleum industry and trade — Government policy — Angola. 3. Petroleum industry and trade — Social aspects — Angola. 4. Petroleum industry and trade — Environmental aspects — Angola. 5. Political violence — Angola. 6. Angola — Politics and government — 1975 – 7. Angola — Economic conditions — 1975 – 8. Angola — Social conditions. I. Title. hd9577.a52r44 2009 967.304'2 — dc22 2009023254 Manufactured in the United States of America 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of ansi/niso z39.48 – 1992 (r 1997) (Permanence of Paper). UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 4 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM To Ginger, who inspired me with her daring struggle for a better existence UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 5 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 6 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM Contents List of Illustrations and Tables ix Acknowledgments xi 1. Washing Ashore 1 2. Petro-Capitalism 17 3. Petro-Violence 44 4. Shallow Graves 70 5. Unpalatable Compensation 104 6. Militant Territorialization 137 7. Corporate Territorialization 172 Conclusion: Converging Shores 205 Notes 213 Bibliography 273 Index 309 UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 7 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 8 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM Illustrations and Tables Maps 1. Angola xiv 2. Ocean Currents 9 3. Angolan Oil Concessions 20 4. Selected Ethnic Divisions in Angola 35 5. Cabinda 46 6. Oil Extraction in Soyo 71 7. Oilfields Offshore of Cabinda 105 8. The Militant Territorialization of Cabinda 138 9. The Corporate Territorialization of Cabinda 173 Figures Banner upon Entering Cabinda frontispiece 1. The Price of Angolan Crude Oil 38 2. Fuel Shortages, Subsidy Cuts, Diversions, and Outcomes 114 3. Pollution and Overfishing Combine to Exacerbate Degradation 118 4. Pressure for Oil-Backed Development 198 Tables 1. Cabinda’s Degraded Health System 188 2. Chevron’s Oil-Backed Development Projects 195 UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 9 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 10 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM Acknowledgments This book began with the idea of undertaking fieldwork in Angola’s oil-rich northwest because I had found little information on the daily struggles of Angolans living near sites of extraction. The concept was simple, though the logistics seemed daunting. Still, my adviser, Nancy Peluso, never doubted the feasibility (or the saneness) of my research plan. I am wholeheartedly grateful to Nancy for her unflinching support and keen theoretical insights derived from innovative political ecology analyses of violent environments. I also owe thanks to Claudia Carr for expressing endless enthusiasm for my project and sharing her profound understanding of extractive systems from the ground level to the transnational scene. My gratitude also extends to Michael Watts for his wisdom, quick wit, and the astute critiques in his wealth of work on the particularities of petro-capitalism and petro- violence. I am truly appreciative for the generous intellectual backing from this remarkable team of scholars. A generous National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2002 – 5) and a supplementary Doctoral Dissertation Research Improve- ment Grant (2005) provided the financial backbone for this research. I am also grateful for the additional support provided by the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center (summer 2003) as well as the Andrew and Mary Thompson Rocca Pre-Dissertation (2003) and Dissertation (2004) Awards. A Clyde Sanfred Johnson Memorial Scholarship (2005) enabled me to present my early findings at the African Studies Association’s annual meeting in Novem ber 2005. I am thankful to Bruce Wright of the Conservation Sci- ence Institute for providing me with a venue for collaboration and outreach. I also acknowledge the backing of Robert and Eleanor Frisby for enriching my life and this work. My fantastic support network in the field made this research possible. xi UC-Reed-CS4-ToPress.indd 11 8/26/2009 10:15:55 PM xii / Acknowledgments Given the repressive atmosphere in Angola, I refrain from naming most individuals here for fear of compromising their future work and welfare. I accept all responsibility for the statements made in this book; the ideas pre- sented should not be regarded as a reflection of the beliefs of the institutions or individuals that have helped me. That said, I wish to thank friends at the Angola Instituto de Pesquisa, Open Society International, Pesnorte, Fundo Apoio Social, Mpalabanda, Grémio ABC, the offices of the Instituto de Pesca Artesanal in Soyo and Cabinda, the Direcção Provincial de Agricultura e Ambiente in Cabinda, the Universidade Católica de Angola, the Catholic parishes in Cabinda and Soyo, Save the Children, and all of the staff mem- bers who kindly provided support and logistical assistance. I offer the deepest obrigada to my dear Cabindan family, my kind- hearted Brazilian sister, the couple in Luanda who first opened their doors to me, and all of the friends who shared their homes and laughter. My appreciation also goes to the group of American scholars and humani- tarian workers in Angola who offered me a place to stay and proposed a meaningful excursion or shared in a fun diversion. Likewise, I am entirely indebted to all of my informants who patiently shared their time and views with me — this work would not have been possible without them. And to those fearless campaigners for human rights without fear of being named, I express my utmost gratitude to Francisco Luemba, a dear friend and tire- less advocate for justice, as well as Agostinho Chicaia, Rafael Marques, and José Marcos Mavungo. I extend my gratitude to Publications Director Nathan MacBrien and the Editorial Board of the Global, Area, and International Archive at the University of California; Jean-Michel Mabeko-Tali; and my anonymous reviewers for precise, discerning critiques. The University of California, Berkeley presented a stimulating and inspiring environment for my intel- lectual and personal growth. My work benefited greatly from discussions hosted at UC Berkeley by the International Oil Working Group chaired by Claudia Carr with transcontinental input from Jeffrey Gritzner, transatlan- tic contributions from Irene Gerlach, and participation by Joshua Dimon, Anna Zalik, Logan Hennessey, Adam Gray and Kathy Sheetz. I am also grateful to Juliet Christian-Smith for her able organizational guidance on muddled early versions. Daniel Graham also provided constructive com- ments. Professors Isha Ray, Jeff Romm, Dara O’Rourke, Percy Hintzen, and Rachel Shigekane assisted with the methodological and conceptual formation of this research. Philippe Le Billon offered helpful comments during a visit to the Environmental Politics Colloquium.