Africa-Press – Angola. The Minister of State and head of the Military Office of the President of the Republic, Francisco Furtado, stated Thursday that peace constitutes the main foundation of state stability, the consolidation of democracy, national unity and cohesion, as well as social well-being and sustainable development.
The minister made the statement at the opening of the International Peace Conference, taking place under the motto “For the Economic Development and Well-being of Angolans, Together Hand in Hand”.
Francisco Furtado recalled that 4 April will mark 24 years of peace in Angola, and he reminisced about the strong sense of state and patriotic spirit that characterized that historic moment in 2002.
According to the minister, the date has great significance in the collective memory of Angolans, as it represents not only the end of a long armed conflict, but also the beginning of a new stage of political stability, national reconciliation and unity among citizens.
The minister recalled that peace was achieved after 27 years of war, a period marked by the loss of human lives, a high number of mutilated citizens, and the destruction of infrastructure, with Angolans subsequently making a firm commitment to the progress and development of the country.
He emphasized that those who promote peace have chosen to abandon weapons and actively contribute to Angola’s stability and growth. He underscored that peace is neither guaranteed nor irreversible, but requires constant vigilance, strategic vision, institutional capacity and firm leadership in order to prevent increasingly complex threats.
On the international stage, the minister noted that the world is experiencing a context of uncertainty, marked by growing risks to stability and peaceful coexistence among nations.
He added that current conflicts take on hybrid and asymmetrical forms, as they involve economic pressures, information manipulation, cyber actions, and sanctions, with a direct impact on the stability of states.
Regarding Africa, he considered that the continent, due to its geostrategic position and wealth of natural resources, continues to be the target of external interests, having highlighted the role of the African Union in promoting peace, security and development.
