Africa-Press – Angola. The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, signed a decree awarding the Medal of Valor for Police Service, Single Class, posthumously to Commissioner-General Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos.
According to the decree made public by the Presidency of the Republic, the decoration recognizes the merit, dedication, and relevant services rendered by the Commissioner-General to the cause of public security and the strengthening of Angolan state institutions.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, known as “Nandó”, had a remarkable career in the country’s political and institutional life, having held positions of high responsibility, notably his historical connection to security agencies and governance.
He stood out as one of the most prominent figures in Angolan political life, having held high state positions throughout his career, leaving a significant legacy in the country’s political and institutional history.
Among other roles, Nando was Commander-General of the National Police (PN), Vice-President of the Republic, and President of the National Assembly (Parliament).
The posthumous tribute symbolizes the State’s recognition of the former leader’s contribution to the consolidation of public order and service to the Nation.
Several other PN officers were also decorated, including former Commanders-General Santana André Pitra “Petroff”, José Alfredo “Ekuikui”, Ambrósio de Lemos Freire dos Santos, Paulo de Almeida, Alfredo Manuel Mingas “Panda”, and Arnaldo Manuel Carlos.The list of distinguished individuals also includes names such as Armindo do Espírito Santo Vieira, João Arnaldo Saraiva de Carvalho “Tetembwa”, José Carlos Inácio da Piedade, Fernando Torres Vaz da Conceição “Mussolo”, Francisco Monteiro Ribas da Silva, Salvador José Rodrigues “Dodó”, António Maria Sita, Domingos Ferreira da Andrade, and Orlando Jorge Bernardo.
The medal awarding ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at the Presidential Protocol Complex in Luanda, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Angolan National Police, to be commemorated on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
