Africa-Press – Angola. The remains of the former Vice-President of the Republic and prominent leader of the MPLA, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos “Nandó”, who died on the 18th of this month, were buried, on Monday, in the Alto das Cruzes Cemetery, in Luanda, with state honors.
The ceremony, marked by profound commotion, was attended by thousands of people, including family, friends, members of the Government, MPLA leaders and representatives of civil society, who came together to pay the last tribute to one of the most illustrious sons of the Angolan nation.
Before the burial, a tribute ceremony was held at the Protocol Complex of the Presidency of the Republic, with the presence of the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, where messages were read highlighting the achievements of “Nandó” in political life and in the consolidation of the Angolan State.
His activism in the MPLA crossed fundamental stages in Angola’s contemporary history, from the pre-independence period to the country’s affirmation as a sovereign state, through the peace process and national reconstruction.
Party leaders and family members remembered “Nandó” as a man of high integrity, sensitivity and commitment to the Angolan people.
His actions were guided by discipline, ideological firmness and humanism, leaving a legacy of strengthening the nation.
The funeral procession left the Protocol Complex of the Presidency of the Republic towards the cemetery, with expressions of respect and homage, ending the cycle of farewell to a figure whose contribution to Angola will remain in the nation’s memory.
Born on March 5, 1952, 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 1995, 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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