“From 1986 onwards, a series of incidents occurred which allegedly produced chemical casualties among UNITA forces. These patients exhibited a medically intriguing, neurological syndrome which became known as ‘steppage-gait’ syndrome. Briefly, the patients exhibited the progressive onset of a permanent, spastic paralysis. This mainly affected the lower limbs. There was a variable mix of motor and sensory affects...The author personally saw approximately 50 of these patients, although claims have been made that more than 400 existed.
…only young men from military areas were affected. Moreover, groups of affected men from particular units were seen. To date, no woman or child has been seen with the syndrome. One would expect that if dietary or infective conditions were responsible then a cross section of the population, including soldiers, would be affected, especially as UNITA troops lived in close contact with the local population.”