Africa-Press – Angola. A memoir of the civil and national liberation wars, entitled “Great Battles and Decisive Military Operations in Angola”, by General Higino Carneiro, was launched last Friday night in Luanda.
The work, written in 544 pages and divided into 11 chapters, brings a sequence of events that serve to enrich the Angolan political mosaic, with a preface written by General João Luís Neto (Xietu).
Following his explanation of the great battles, the author highlights some of the most striking regions and places such as Kangamba, characterizing the confrontation that took place in 1983 in the east of the country as hard, bloody and with countless casualties between the Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and members of the popular defense organization.
A memorable dispute, according to the writer, due to the military implications in the context of the internal war theater.
General Higino Carneiro narrates the major operations carried out by the defense forces of South Africa and also by FAPLA, underlining the firmness, dedication and resistance registered by the troops, which he was part of, as factors that allowed to stop the enemy’s intentions.
It was in these circumstances, according to the author, that the battle of battles in the Cuíto Cuanavale region took place, having been considered “epic”, due to its complexity, entering the annals of Angolan history.
According to the author, this battle created political conditions for the negotiations to move towards the New York agreements, boosting the process of change in South Africa.
In the work it is understood that the victory conquered also made it possible to pave the way for Namibia’s independence, putting an end to the crisis in Southern Africa, despite the continuation of the internal war in Angola.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the ceremony, General Higino Carneiro said that the clashes were aimed at overthrowing the MPLA, citing the events that took place shortly after independence, the political crisis of 27 May and the clashes in 1992, after the result of the first elections held in Angola.
He said it was necessary to write down the intricacies of the great battles so that it could be shown how difficult the conquest of peace was.” It was a sacrifice consented by the Angolan people, which gave rise to peace, and we hope that it will last and serve as a catalyst for development, progress and strengthen the country’s democracy”, he said.
He reported that in the battle of Cuíto Cuanavale, modern means were used, with the integration of conventional forces, marking the turning point in history across the African continent.
“In this dispute, the Soviet and Cuban military contributed in the area of advice given in early 1975, which allowed the strengthening of the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola”, he asserted.
Regarding the story about the politician Nito Alves, the former FAPLA soldier said it was necessary to put an end to the myths that are unfolding around the story, making known the true facts.
“You hear a lot of talk, it was necessary to bring reality, at this moment for me that I was involved in capturing him”, he said.
Higino Carneiro said that the story must continue to be told, stressing that the work is an extract of much that remained unsaid, promising to continue writing to contribute to military history and study elements.
Opinion of some politicians
Politicians defend the disclosure of the events that resulted in the achievement of peace.
For General Dino Matrosse, the protagonists must narrate the facts and events of history, as there are many tales that distort the true sequence of the history of the liberation struggle.
For her part, the President of the National Assembly, Carolina Serqueira, stressed that, despite the sacrifice, military operations and decisive battles, the country rose from the rubble.
“The war phase has passed and today we are fighting for Angola to be a land of peace, harmony, democracy, coexistence and that the young generations can be proud of the sacrifice that the older ones consented to for the freedom and defense of the sovereign”, he reinforced .
General João Luís Neto “Xietu” said he carried the spirit of duty done, stating that the moment is to pass the testimony on to the new generations, transmitting how difficult the path to the conquest of peace was.
“Youth need to know about the facets experienced so that peace could become a reality today, it was not easy, we witnessed great battles and caused the death of many brave patriots”, he said.
For the governor of Luanda, Manuel Homem, the challenges for the construction of the country continue even in this period of peace, with citizens imbued with the duty to materialize the objectives advocated by their elders.
Biography
Francisco Higino Lopes Carneiro was born on July 8, 1955, in Calulo-Libolo, Cuanza Sul province, author of the book “Memories, Soldado da Pátria”.
Described as “the peace negotiator”, having along his path integrated government delegations in negotiations with UNITA, in agreements such as Alto Cauango, Moxico, in 1991, which gave rise to several others for the achievement of definitive peace in the country.
He participated in almost all processes or initiatives for peace in Angola, held various positions in the State apparatus and the Armed Forces, with emphasis on that of vice-president of the National Assembly, Minister of Public Works, vice-minister Without Portfolio for the of Peace, Deputy Minister of Territory Administration, Governor of the provinces of Luanda, Cuanza Sul and Cuando Cubango. MAG
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