Africa-Press – Angola. The people of the Ovambandja ethnic group, located in the municipality of Ombadja, Cunene province, celebrated, on Monday, the 119th anniversary of the historic battle of Vau do Pembe, fought in 1904.
Considered one of the main defeats of the Portuguese colonial regime, the battle of Vau do Pembe, also referred to as the Pembe massacre or the Umpungo reunion, was fought between a detachment of Portuguese army forces, commanded by captain Luís Pinto de Almeida, and warriors Cuamatos, under the orders of King Oshitekela.
The fight took place in the Vau de Pembe chanas, close to the Cunene River, which resulted in the total defeat of the Portuguese forces, who lost more than half of the troops present in the fight.
This defeat is considered a surprisingly tragic action never seen on an African scale by colonizing Europe.
For the director of the Cunene Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports office, Nelson Ndelimukuata, the act represents an important milestone in the history of Angola’s struggle against colonial occupation and the drastic moments experienced during this period.
In a statement he said that this feat carried out by Angolan warriors constitutes an indelible mark in the history of the people of Cunene, especially the Ovambadja, who, moved by the patriotic spirit, defended territorial integrity.
The person in charge highlighted the need for greater publicity about the historic battles of new generations, so that they have mastery of the various stages that led to National Independence.
Along this path, he asked historians and researchers to continue investigating the battle of Vau do Pembe, to perpetuate the history of resistance against the Portuguese colonial occupation in the southern region of Angola, which is currently treated superficially.
He said that the government rehabilitated the historic landmark of Vau do Pembe, classified as a historic site on April 18, 1994, aiming at its conservation, protection and appreciation, so that new generations can master the history of the struggle for freedom and territorial integrity.
He made it known that the government’s intention was to transform that cultural monument, through the construction of a memorial with better quality to honor the deeds carried out by the ancestors.
In honor of the date, several cultural events are scheduled for next Saturday (30), with emphasis on reenacting the battle route and displaying women’s clothing and dances, during the celebration of the victory of the Cuamatos against the Portuguese in 1904 .
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