Africa-Press – Angola. The head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (SISM), General João Pereira Massano, called on Angolan youth on Thursday to preserve and honor the historical legacy of the extinct People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA).
The appeal was made on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the creation of the extinct People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), to be celebrated on August 1st, an anniversary the general considers a milestone in national memory and not just a commemorative date.
According to João Massano, the FAPLA, founded on August 1st, 1974, in the plains of Luiameji, Moxico province, has become more than a simple military instrument, representing the backbone of national sovereignty, the shield of territorial integrity, and the foundation of the Angolan state.
The general emphasized that the bravery of the first combatants, who fought with limited resources and unlimited courage, should serve as inspiration for today’s youth to contribute to the defense and construction of the nation through ideas, citizenship, and knowledge.
He reinforced that today’s youth must commit to defending the country with ideals, rejecting any instrumentalization by external interests or without national roots.
In the interview in Luanda, João Massano warned youth about the risks of manipulation and misinformation, emphasizing that constructive criticism strengthens democracy, while destructive criticism weakens freedom and compromises the future.
He argued that young people must value the historical legacy that gave them their nation and freedom, as it is impossible to build the future by disrespecting the past. The head of SISM stressed that the FAPLA’s sacrifice is both foundational and educational, and that it is essential that its history not be erased or distorted, as it represents Angola’s DNA and the moral foundation of today.
He emphasized that, beyond fighting, the FAPLA played a fundamental social role, educating, protecting, building where there were no schools, offering shelter, and teaching by example.
João Massano reaffirmed that the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) are the natural heirs to the FAPLA spirit, carrying on its values of humanism, discipline, ethical integrity, and patriotic mission.
He emphasized that this heritage must be preserved with institutional responsibility and generational awareness, ensuring the transmission of this legacy to future generations.
The officer paid tribute to veterans, both living and fallen, emphasizing that honoring those who gave the nation and freedom means consolidating national unity and preparing for the future with strength.
João Pereira Massano, who previously headed the FAA’s Historical-Military Legacy Preservation department and sectors related to Social Security, Culture, and Sports at the Ministry of National Defense, argued that the FAPLA’s legacy should continue to be incorporated into the FAA, both in terms of discipline and bravery and in moral and political education, promoting patriotic education among new generations.
The FAPLA was founded on August 1, 1974, and dissolved in 1991 with the signing of the Bicesse Accords, which resulted in the merger with the former UNITA military forces and the creation of a single army – the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) – a symbol of national unity.
Since its institutionalization on October 9, 1991, the FAA has played a decisive role in consolidating peace and defending sovereignty. Today, it represents a source of pride for Angola and embodies the highest values of patriotism and citizenship.
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