Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan President João Lourenço decreed on Friday a one-day national mourning, to be observed on the 22nd of this month, for the death of the former Vice-President of the Republic, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, which occurred on Thursday due to illness.
The decision is contained in a Presidential Decree made public today, which recognizes the high historical and institutional relevance of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos’ public career, as well as the contribution made to the Angolan State in the exercise of functions of particular responsibility.
The decree emphasizes the need to pay a solemn, fair and dignified tribute to the memory, work and legacy of the former Vice-President of the Republic, as an expression of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family and all those who were deprived of him.
Under the terms of the decree, national mourning is observed throughout the national territory and in the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Angola, starting at 00:00 on December 22, 2025.
During the period of mourning, the National Flag is flown at half-mast and all shows and public demonstrations on the day of the funeral are cancelled.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos held, throughout his political life, high State functions, with emphasis on the positions of Vice-President of the Republic and Speaker of the National Assembly, leaving a remarkable legacy in the consolidation of the country’s institutions.
Born on March 5, 1950, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos joined the MPLA in 1971 and, after the country’s independence in 1975, he began his career in the Angolan Police Corps (CCPA), where he became head of division in 1978.
Between 1982 and 1995, he was also part of the group of personalities who were at the origins of the Ministry of the Interior, where he performed several important roles.
Among the positions held are Minister of the Interior, head of the Sectoral Political Directorate of the Internal Order, head of the Political Department of the National Directorate of the People’s Police, National Director of Personnel and Staff, Deputy National Political Director, deputy minister of the Interior, deputy minister of State Security, head of the Information Services and General Commander of the National Police, as well as Deputy Minister of the Interior for the Internal Order.
In December 2002, he assumed the position of Prime Minister, a role he held until 2008, in accordance with the Constitution in force at the time.
With the approval of the new Constitution in 2010, which abolished the position of Prime Minister, he was appointed first Vice-President of the Republic of Angola, a position he held until 2012.
He served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2010 and returned to the position between 2012 and 2022, in an act of consolidating his political influence and legislative leadership.
Fernando da Piedade graduated in law from Agostinho Neto University in 2009, a factor that complemented his political experience with legal training.
His political and institutional path marked the recent history of Angola, being recognized for the contribution made to the development of the State and the consolidation of the country’s institutions.
For his achievements, he was decorated by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, with the Independence class medal, as part of the 50 years of National Independence, marked on November 11th.
Source: ANGOP
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