Africa-Press – Angola. Sixty-three general and senior officers of the Angolan Army were decorated, on Wednesday, in Luanda, as part of the institutionalization of the Military Decoration System and the celebrations of the 34th Anniversary of the foundation of the land branch of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA).
The act aimed to recognize achievements and merits of military personnel who distinguished themselves in the defense of the Fatherland, in safeguarding the constitutional order and in the preservation of national unity, determining factors in the achievement of peace and national reconciliation.
The distinctions covered military entities present at the ceremony and others posthumously.
During the ceremony, army generals Manuel Hélder Viera Dias Júnior “Kopelipa”, Nascimento Salvador Vaz “Gafarov”, Simão Pedro Augusto Mabiala, and lieutenant generals Fernando de Brito Texeira de Sousa Andrade and Mario Lopes Texeira “Manino” were awarded the FAA Medal of Valor, 1st class.
18 general officers were also recognized with the FAA Medal of Valor 2nd class, while three were awarded the same medal, but in the 3rd class.
The National Defense Medal, 1st class, was awarded to 19 soldiers, including generals, lieutenant generals, brigadiers and colonels.
In the 2nd class of the National Defense Medal, 18 general officers and lieutenants were awarded.
When speaking at the event, the Minister of State and Head of the Military House of the President of the Republic, Francisco Pereira Furtado, highlighted the national pride in the decorated military personnel and praised their dedication, competence and commitment in defending the country’s highest interests.
The official highlighted that many of those distinguished sacrificed their own lives in favor of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Angola.
He said that these ceremonies contribute to the dignification of the recipients and to the recognition of those who, with their knowledge and experience, helped to build the regulations that legally support the Military Decorations System.
According to Francisco Furtado, honorary decorations go beyond the simple desire to obtain a medal and are seen as an instrument for valuing the military mission and encouraging the engagement of younger generations in fulfilling their patriotic duty.
“The distinctions represent a symbolic award that recognizes exceptional achievements, acts of bravery and relevant contributions to the growth of the country”, he stated.
The Minister of State also highlighted that military decorations, established by law in the FAA Decorations Subsystem, constitute the highest expression of recognition by the Angolan State to the protagonists of the armed struggle, the defense of national sovereignty, the consolidation of peace and the development of the country.
On the occasion, he announced that the recognition process will continue throughout 2026, especially on the commemorative dates of the different branches of the Angolan Armed Forces.
In this context, the National Air Force is expected to host a similar ceremony on January 21, 2026, followed by the Angolan Navy on July 10, in accordance with current legislation.
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