Africa-Press – Angola. Lubango – The Minister of State and Head of the Military House of the President of the Republic, General Francisco Pereira Furtado, emphasized on Friday the importance of maintaining a commitment to peace and national reconciliation in the collective memory of Angolans.
The minister made the statement at the Southern Regional Civil Society Meeting, organized by the National Movement Angola Real (MONAAR). This event brought together representatives from Huila, Namibe, Cunene, Cuando and Cubango for two days to reflect on the role of civic organizations in the country’s development.
The minister of State lectured on the topic ‘The Course of the Armed Struggle in Angola (1975–2002)’ and provided a historical overview of the conflict that has shaped the nation. He recalled that, after gaining independence in 1975, Angola descended into a prolonged period of political and military instability, the social and economic consequences of which are still being felt today.
Furtado stated that preserving sovereignty and national unity had required sacrifices, including thousands of deaths and people being displaced over nearly three decades of war. Therefore, the memory of these events should not be used to fuel divisions or resentment, but rather to reinforce the collective commitment to stability and peaceful coexistence.
“We are one people and one nation. Peace requires collective responsibility and commitment to the present and future of the country’, he said.
At the end of his speech, Pereira Furtado thanked MONAAR for the opportunity to share his reflections on the transition from independence to peace consolidation, and called for continued civic engagement in defense of national stability.
