Angola, a former Portuguese colony in southwestern Africa, declared its independence on November 11, 1975. However, this momentous occasion was marred by the onset of a prolonged and devastating civil war, as multiple factions vied for control over the newly independent nation. Two of the most prominent groups were the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).

The MPLA, which was primarily Marxist in orientation, received considerable support from the Soviet Union and Cuba. The Cuban intervention was particularly significant, with Havana sending tens of thousands of troops to bolster the MPLA's forces. The presence of Cuban troops helped to tip the balance in favor of the MPLA, which was then able to secure control over Luanda, the capital, and declare itself the legitimate government of Angola. The MPLA's alignment with Communist powers made it ideologically compatible with nations such as the Soviet Union, thereby ensuring a steady flow of military and financial support.

UNITA, on the other hand, was founded on anti-Communist and nationalist principles. Despite its ideological orientation, UNITA's cause was severely compromised by its association with apartheid-era South Africa. The South African government provided UNITA with weapons, logistical support, and military expertise, largely in the interest of curtailing the spread of communism in southern Africa. However, UNITA's alliance with the South African apartheid regime was met with international condemnation, diminishing its standing in the West and isolating it diplomatically. Consequently, while UNITA did garner some covert support from the United States, especially during the Reagan era, it was unable to secure the kind of overt, widespread backing enjoyed by the MPLA.

The involvement of external powers in Angola's civil war exacerbated ethnic and ideological tensions within the country and led to a protracted conflict that lasted until 2002. The MPLA and UNITA clashed in a series of brutal battles, fueled by revenue from Angola's rich oil and diamond resources. Throughout the war, both sides were accused of human rights abuses, including the conscription of child soldiers and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. It is estimated that up to 500,000 people were killed, while millions more were displaced, both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries.

The civil war also had severe ramifications for Angola's economic development. Infrastructure was destroyed, agricultural productivity was disrupted, and social services, including healthcare and education, were severely affected, leading to a decline in human development indicators.

In summary, Angola's path to independence was fraught with complexities and marred by a devastating civil war. External intervention, ideological conflict, and the involvement of regional powers served to intensify the hostilities between the MPLA and UNITA, leading to years of bloodshed and stunted development.