Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan Embassy in Cuba on Monday posthumously honored Carlos Muñoz Guillén, the former bodyguard of Angola’s first president, António Agostinho Neto, for his contributions to strengthening relations between Angola and Cuba.
According to a press release from the embassy sent, the certificate was presented by Ambassador Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardinha Dias to Muñoz’s widow, Felicia Muñoz.
Muñoz, also known as “Carlitos,” ensured the safety of Neto from the days leading up to the proclamation of national independence on November 11, 1975.
The tribute took place at the Ministry of the Interior’s Pantheon in Cuba, marked by strong symbolism and emotion and included military honors, as well as the presence of senior officers and combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior.
Ambassador Sardinha Dias highlighted Muñoz as “a friend of Angola,” recalling that Muñoz was the only Cuban citizen present at the proclamation of independence 50 years ago.
The ambassador also emphasized Muñoz’s role as head of personal security for Agostinho Neto and later for former President José Eduardo dos Santos.
Muñoz received several state distinctions for his extensive career and services rendered on missions in Cuba and the Republic of Angola, including the Internationalist Combatant Medal, 2nd class.
Muñoz was a mentor to generations of young Angolans and Cubans and an active member of the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution and the Communist Party of Cuba. He passed away in April of this year in Havana at the age of 80.
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