Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan government on Thursday, paid tribute to Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos “Nandó,” who passed away due to illness, having praised him as a nationalist and a statesman.
In a public statement, the government recalled that the deceased served as Minister of the Interior, Prime Minister, Vice President of the Republic, and Speaker of the National Assembly, among other positions.
Due to this unfortunate event, the government of the Republic of Angola offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
Born on March 5, 1950, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos joined the MPLA in 1971. After the country gained independence in 1975, he began his career in the People’s Police Corps. He became head of the division in 1978.
From 1982 to 1985, he directed the National Police. He was later appointed Deputy Minister of the Interior and head of the Information Services (SINFO), assuming strategic responsibilities in security and intelligence.
In December 2002, he became Prime Minister, a position he held until 2008 in accordance with the then-current Constitution.
Following the approval of the new constitution in 2010, which abolished the position of prime minister, he was appointed first vice president of the republic of Angola. He held this position until 2012.
He served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2022, consolidating his political influence and legislative leadership.
Fernando da Piedade, who died at the Girassol Clinic in Luanda, after being urgently evacuated, graduated from Agostinho Neto University with a degree in law in 2009. This complemented his political experience with legal training.
He was recognized for his contribution to the development of the state and the consolidation of the country’s institutions, and his political and institutional career marked the recent history of Angola.
In recognition of his achievements, President João Lourenço awarded him the Independence Class Medal as part of the 50th anniversary of National Independence on November 11.
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