Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan political parties with seats in the National Assembly expressed deep regret at the death of the former Speaker of this sovereign body, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, which occurred suddenly, on Thursday, in Luanda, at the age of 75.
In messages read at the ceremony to honor the deceased in the National Assembly (AN), the parliamentary groups of MPLA, UNITA, PRS and FNLA highlighted the political and institutional path of the former leader, highlighting his contribution to the consolidation of the Angolan State, the promotion of political dialogue and the reinforcement of democratic coexistence.
On the occasion, MPLA parliamentarian, Nvunda Salucombo, highlighted that Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos distinguished himself as a politician of unusual qualities, having held positions of high responsibility in the State apparatus throughout his career, including Vice-President of the Republic, Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior and Speaker of the National Assembly.
According to the parliamentarian, at the House of Laws he left behind prudence, honesty, the ability to listen and respect for interlocutors, attributes that earned him transversal recognition among political forces.
In turn, UNITA parliamentarian, Mihaela Webba, recalled “Nandó’s” political-military career as a militant and leader of the MPLA, highlighting the positions he held in the security and defense sector, as well as in the Executive and Parliament.
She highlighted, in particular, his role as President of the National Assembly for 12 years, a period in which he promoted dialogue, respect for differences and contributed to the construction of a more interventionist and inclusive Parliament.
Benedito Daniel, from the parliamentary representation of the PRS party, considered Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos a patriot who dedicated himself to serving the country whenever he was called upon to perform public functions.
The parliamentarian highlighted his commitment, spirit of dedication and defense of good coexistence, peace and harmony among Angolans, arguing that the future of Angola must be built in an environment without hatred or resentment.
In turn, parliamentarian Nimi a Simbi, from the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), expressed dismay at the death of the former leader, praising the examples of patriotism, acceptance of diversity and respect for others that marked his journey.
He expressed the desire that the legacy of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos serve as a reference for strengthening healthy coexistence among Angolans.
The PHA parliamentarian, Florbela Malaquias, highlighted that Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos was a man who knew how to give to his family and friends and who exercised high State responsibilities, leaving a trajectory inscribed in the country’s political history.
According to her, the former Speaker of the National Assembly (AN) put his character and knowledge at the service of building peace and national reconciliation.
She also highlighted that the opening of the book of condolences, at the headquarters of Parliament, constitutes a civic gesture of preserving memory and recognizing the legacy left by Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, in an institution that he himself led as leader of the AN.
According to the parliamentarian, Angola lost, with his death, not only a former President of the National Assembly, but one of the pillars of its institutional construction, highlighting that his personal biography is intertwined with the process of building the modern Angolan State.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos was, at the time of his death, a deputy of the MPLA Parliamentary Group for the national circle, with a suspended mandate.
His death was considered a significant loss for the Angolan political class, for Parliament and for the country.
The various messages converged in offering condolences to the bereaved family, the MPLA and the Angolan people, calling for the preservation of the legacy of dialogue, national unity and promotion of peace left by Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos.
At the ceremony, marked by much consternation, messages from the Group of Women Parliamentarians, staff and the Parliamentary Protection Unit were also read.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
