Africa-Press – Angola. Diplomatic entities accredited abroad continue to express sorrow for the passing of the former Vice-President of the Republic, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos “Nandó”, buried Monday (22) at the Alto das Cruzes Cemetery, in Luanda.
Press received messages of condolence from Angolan diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe, Germany and the Kingdom of Belgium, which highlight the high sense of state, patriotism and contribution of the deceased to the construction and consolidation of the Angolan State.
In the message, the Angolan ambassador to Zimbabwe, Baltazar Diogo Cristóvão, emphasizes the human, political and military qualities of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, who died suddenly on December 18, in Luanda.
According to the diplomat, in the early days of the national liberation struggle, the deceased held a military leadership position, dedicating himself fully to the service of national independence.
He emphasized that, thanks to the effort, courage, and selflessness of the combatants of his generation, Angola achieved freedom, peace, and stability.
Baltazar Diogo Cristóvão also stated that Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos promoted values of coexistence in diversity, mutual respect, and national harmony, leaving a legacy inscribed in the history of Angola. He highlighted his example in building a nation based on friendship, tolerance, and the fight against social tension.
“The deceased leaves to new generations the teachings of a united and indivisible Angola, from Cabinda to Cunene and from the sea to the East,” the message states.
The Angolan Embassy in Germany also expressed deep sorrow for the passing of the former Vice-President of the Republic, whom it considers an indispensable figure in the Angolan State.
On a note signed by Ambassador Maria Isabel Gomes de Resende Encoge, the Diplomatic Mission in Berlin emphasizes that the deceased distinguished himself throughout a career marked by a high sense of responsibility, loyalty to the institutions of the Republic, and dedication to the national cause.
The document also highlights that, in the exercise of the highest functions of the State, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos played a decisive role in promoting dialogue, consolidating peace, and strengthening cooperation between States, contributing to the projection of Angola as a respected partner in the concert of nations.
The Angolan Embassy in Belgium also expressed its dismay at the passing of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos and highlighted his career as one of the most remarkable figures in Angolan political life in the post-independence period.
In the note of condolence, signed by Ambassador Edgar Gaspar, the diplomatic representation in Brussels underlines the deceased’s contribution to the construction of the Angolan State, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and the consolidation of peace and national reconciliation.
The Diplomatic Mission also highlights his profile as a man of dialogue, balance and commitment, whose political action was guided by the pursuit of consensus, institutional respect and the promotion of political stability, essential values for lasting peace in Angola.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, 73 years old, died suddenly on the 18th of this month.
Born on March 5, 1952, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos died on the 18th of this month at the Girassol Clinic in Luanda, a victim of illness.
He joined the MPLA in 1971 and, after National Independence in 1975, began his career in the Angolan Police Corps (CCPA), where he reached the position of division chief in 1978.
Between 1982 and 1995, he headed the National Police, later assuming the roles of Deputy Minister of the Interior and head of the Information Services (SINFO), with significant responsibilities in the areas 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 Agostinho Neto University in 2009, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos combined his legal training with his vast political and institutional experience.
His career marked the recent history of Angola, being widely recognized for his contribution to strengthening the State and consolidating national institutions.
For services rendered to the Nation, he was decorated by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, with the Independence Class Medal, within the scope of the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence, celebrated on November 11.
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