Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan President João Lourenço paid tribute on Monday to the former Vice-President of the Republic, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos “Nandó”, who died on the 18th, in Luanda, victim of illness.
At the Protocol Complex of the Presidency of the Republic, where the wake took place, the Angolan Head of State, accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço, after the singing of the national anthem, laid a wreath in front of the urn and then greeted the widow of the deceased, the children and other family members.
When signing the book of condolences, João Lourenço highlighted the legacy of the deceased and wrote that he received “with surprise and consternation” the news of the physical passing of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, “Nandó”, an unavoidable figure of Angolan nationalism and national political life, whom he recognized dedication, zeal and competence in defending the best interests of the Angolan people.
When highlighting the relevant contribution to the consolidation of the Angolan State, the President recalled that Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos held important positions in the service of the State, with emphasis on Minister of the Interior, Prime Minister, Vice-President of the Republic and President of the National Assembly, roles he performed with a high sense of responsibility and commitment to the public cause.
The President also praised the charisma, sense of justice and good treatment that characterized the deceased, qualities that, as he highlighted, earned him the respect and consideration not only of his peers, but also of his political opponents, with whom he always maintained a cordial relationship and respectful of differences of opinion.
For President João Lourenço, Nandó’s death represents a significant loss for the country, leaving “a void in public life that is difficult to fill”.
In the book of condolences, João Lourenço addressed his most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, former subordinates and colleagues in the various roles he held, as well as his numerous friends, appealing for courage and serenity to overcome this moment of pain.
The Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança Costa, the president of the National Assembly, Adão de Almeida, distinguished representatives of sovereign bodies, members of defense and security bodies, as well as the diplomatic corps accredited in Angola, among other entities, also paid tribute to the deceased.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos was a notable figure in the political history of Angola, having held, among other functions, the positions of Vice-President of the Republic and President of the National Assembly.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos passed away on the 18th of this month, at Clínica Girassol, in Luanda, victim of illness.
He joined the MPLA in 1971 and, after National Independence, in 1975, he began his career in the Angolan Police Corps (CCPA), where he reached the position of head of division in 1978.
Between 1982 and 1985, he directed the National Police, having subsequently assumed the role of deputy minister of the Interior and head of the Information Services (SINFO), with relevant responsibilities in the fields of security and intelligence.
In December 2002, he assumed the position of Prime Minister, a role he held until 2008, under the terms of the Constitution then in force.
With the approval of the 2010 Constitution, which abolished the position of Prime Minister, he was appointed first Vice-President of the Republic, a role he held until 2012.
He presided over the National Assembly between 2008 and 2010 and returned to the position from 2012 to 2022.
Graduated in Law from the Agostinho Neto University in 2009, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos combined his legal training with his vast political and institutional experience.
His journey marked the recent history of Angola, being widely recognized for his contribution to strengthening the State and consolidating national institutions.
For his services to the country, he was decorated by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, with the Independence Class Medal, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence, marked on November 11th.
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