Africa-Press – Angola. Mamadou Beye, son of late Malian diplomat Alioune Blondin Beye, who was one of the key figures in mediating the armed conflict in Angola between the government and UNITA, thanked Angolan President João Lourenço on behalf of his family and the people of Mali for the posthumous award given to his father.
The tribute was made in the Peace and Development class, as part of the celebrations of 50 years of National Independence.
Speaking to the press about the award, Mamadou Beye thanked President João Lourenço and the Angolan people for recognizing the work for peace that was carried out by many people, including his father, during difficult years.
Regarding the legacy of Alioune Blondin Beye, who lost his life in a plane crash in 1998, Mamadou emphasized that building peace is a long and collective mission.
“Working for peace is something that takes a long time. It is not the work of one person, but of many. In Angola, this effort has borne fruit and today the country lives in peace. In Mali, we are also following this path and hope to achieve the same result one day.”Beye said.
Alioune Blondin Beye was an internationally renowned Malian diplomat and politician, particularly recognized for his role as a mediator in conflicts in Africa. Born in Mali in 1939, Beye’s career was marked by diplomacy and efforts to achieve peace in contexts of great instability on the African continent.
Role in Angola
Blondin Beye was appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Angola in 1993. In this role, he played a central role in the peace negotiations between the Angolan government and UNITA during the post-Cold War period, when the country was still dealing with the aftermath of a long and devastating civil war.
He was a key figure in the Lusaka Accords, signed in 1994, which aimed to end the armed conflict and establish lasting peace in Angola, although in practice, fighting continued in the following years.
Beye was widely respected for his diplomatic skills, charisma, and tireless dedication to peace, even in extremely complex scenarios.
He believed deeply in national reconciliation and in the ability of Africans to resolve their own conflicts.
Death
Alioune Blondin Beye died tragically on June 26, 1998, in a plane crash in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) while on official business.
His death was a severe blow to mediation efforts in Angola, as he was considered a trusted figure by both sides of the conflict.
Legacy
His legacy is remembered with respect in several African countries, especially in Angola, where his name is associated with the most serious and honest efforts to achieve peace.
His dedication to diplomacy and stability on the African continent earned him international recognition and a posthumous award from President João Lourenço as part of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Foreign personalities honored
As part of the 50th anniversary of National Independence, several foreign personalities have already been honored with the Independence Class medal in recognition of their contribution to the country.
Among them is Cuban General Leopoldo Cintra Frías, in recognition of his actions during Operation Carlota, particularly in the Battle of Cuito-Cuanavale, and his long-standing military support for the Angolan cause. He served as Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba between 2011 and 2021.
Cuban Brigadier General Rafael Moracén Limonta was posthumously awarded the Peace and Development Medal. He had previously been granted Angolan nationality in 2014 for his contribution to the military training of Angola’s armed liberation forces.
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