Africa-Press – Angola. MPLA President João Lourenço stated Friday that the ruling party remains committed to preserving peace, national reconciliation, and the development of Angola, at a time when the country is preparing to celebrate 50 years of National Independence.
João Lourenço was speaking at the opening of the 9th Ordinary Session of the Central Committee, which is taking place at the Futungo II Tourist Complex in Luanda, and brings together members of the Central Committee to analyze issues related to the party’s internal life and the country’s political, economic, and social situation.
He highlighted that the MPLA played a crucial role in the struggle against Portuguese colonialism, having been the force that spearheaded the armed struggle for national liberation, which began on February 4, 1961, and culminated in the proclamation of National Independence on November 11, 1975, by then-President António Agostinho Neto.
The MPLA leader emphasized that, throughout half a century, Angola has lived through difficult times, but has managed to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, resisting external aggression and consolidating achievements such as the implementation of multi-party politics, the construction of the Democratic Rule of Law, the market economy, and the periodic holding of general elections.
João Lourenço, also President of the Republic, described the achievement of peace on April 4, 2002, as the most important milestone after independence, highlighting the role of former President José Eduardo dos Santos in national reconciliation.
He pointed to the gesture of exhuming and transferring the mortal remains of Jonas Savimbi as a symbol of maturity and respect for the values of national unity.
The President of the MPLA also recalled the public apology made to the Nation and to the families of the victims of political conflicts between 1975 and 2002, and the creation of the Interministerial Commission for Victims of Political Conflicts (CIVICOP), which operates under the motto “Forgive and Embrace”.
“These facts demonstrate our true commitment to peace and national reconciliation, as we understand that only in this environment is it possible to rebuild and develop the country,” stated João Lourenço.
However, he warned that some citizens maintain “victimization and self-exclusion behaviors,” which he considered contrary to the sentiment of the majority of Angolans.
During his speech, João Lourenço appealed for the participation of all sectors of society, political parties, churches, associations, unions, and youth, in strengthening peace and national unity.
In this regard, he highlighted the role of churches in promoting dialogue, and also welcomed the preparation for the ecumenical service commemorating the 50th anniversary of independence, to be held on November 8th.
He also praised the importance of the Angolan Women’s Organization (OMA) and the youth, emphasizing the decisive role that both have played in the country’s history, in promoting gender equality, and in shaping the patriotic consciousness of new generations.
In the political chapter, the Head of State emphasized the role of Parliament as a noble space for democratic debate, calling for better preparation of the MPLA Parliamentary Group deputies, with regular and updated information on major national issues.
In the final part of the speech, the President of the MPLA recalled the approach of December 10th, the date of the party’s founding, urging all committees to carry out commemorative activities worthy of the historical dimension of the event.
Among the topics under analysis in this session, he pointed to Local Content in the Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Industries, considered strategic for the empowerment of Angolan companies and entrepreneurs in an increasingly competitive market.
The Central Committee will also discuss the 2026 political agenda, with emphasis on the preparatory actions for the Ordinary Congress, which will serve as the basis for the preparation of the 2027 general elections.
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