Angola to Honor 774 Personalities in 50th Anniversary Celebration

Luanda: President Joo Lourenço is set to award medals to 774 national and international personalities on Friday and Saturday, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of National Independence. This event marks the 7th stage of the ceremony awards and is in compliance with Law No. 2/25 of March 18th, which establishes the Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of Angola's Independence. The medals aim to honor citizens and institutions that have shown dedication, bravery, and service to the Nation. According to Angola Press News Agency, a total of 130 citizens, including notable figures such as Alcina Dias Kassanje, Dom Eugénio Salessu, Manuel Alegre from Portugal, and Marcelino dos Santos from Mozambique, will be awarded the Independence Class Medal. This recognition highlights their decisive role in the fight for liberation and national sovereignty. The Peace and Development Class will see 644 awards given to figures and institutions that have contributed to the consolidation of peace, nati onal unity, and social and economic progress in Angola. Among the awardees are the Angolan Academy of Letters, the Kissama Foundation, the Angolan Solidarity Support Movement (MOVANGOLA), Bishop Dom Afonso Nteka, and musicians António Filipe Manuel "Tony do Fumo," Rapper Kid MC, Carlos Baptista, Caló Pascual, and Ana Joyce. Additionally, the list of honorees includes journalists such as Santos Rosa, Feliciana Arago, Isaías Afonso, Africano Neto, and Cabingano Manuel, as well as international figures like Igor Sechin from Russia and Pierre Victor Mpoyo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Lourenço's initiative is a gesture of recognition for the contributions made by these individuals and institutions. It underscores the pivotal roles they have played in building the nation's independence, consolidating peace, and driving sustainable development.