Africa-Press – Angola. The Bill that Creates the Commemorative Medal Alluding to the Fiftieth Anniversary of National Independence is generating controversy due to what some segments of civil society consider a “failure to recognize history”.
The proposal, approved on Wednesday, the 12th, in its specialty, will now go to the National Assembly Plenary for a final global vote, with the possibility of historical figures linked to the national liberation movements, namely Jonas Savimbi and Holden Roberto, being left out of the mentions. For many, the proposal reflects a unilateral understanding of the country’s history.
The Angolan Parliament approved, last Wednesday, 12th, the decoration of António Agostinho Neto and José Eduardo dos Santos, first and second President of the Republic, respectively, leaving out Holden Roberto (FNLA) and Jonas Savimbi (UNITA) from the tributes on the 50th anniversary of independence.
The Bill that Creates the Commemorative Medal Alluding to the 50th Anniversary of National Independence, to be celebrated on November 11th of this year, was approved in its specialty with only favorable votes from the MPLA. For certain segments of civil society and even politicians, the proposal reflects a unilateral understanding of the country’s history.
As is the case of the civil society organization OMUNGA, in the words of its general coordinator, João Malavindele, who suggests that the measure represents a “major setback” in the process of national reconciliation. For him, the MPLA is missing an opportunity to foster a true historical understanding by ignoring names such as Jonas Savimbi and Holden Roberto.
“We continue to have social and partisan egos blocking the construction of an inclusive nation. By talking about independence without mentioning these figures, we are telling the story diagonally, losing focus on the essence of who we are as a country,” criticized João Malavindele.
The association leader also recalled that, 50 years later, the country remains trapped in ideological and political divisions, without being able to achieve full reconciliation.
The young man is of the opinion that the recognition of these figures should not be subject to a parliamentary vote, as it is an indisputable historical fact.
“I consider it disrespectful to put the recognition of Jonas Savimbi, Holden Roberto and even Agostinho Neto himself to a vote. They are an indelible part of our history and this is not a political choice, but a historical recognition,” he said.
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