Luanda: Angolan Minister of State and Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic, Dionsio da Fonseca, emphasized the role of literature as a 'silent but powerful force' in achieving National Independence. This statement was made during the launch of the literary collection 'Angola 50 Books, 50 Authors,' which is part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the country's independence, celebrated on November 11.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister noted that Angola's history is shaped not only by political and military events but also by the intellectual contributions of those who envisioned the nation. He described literature as an intellectual battleground against colonial domination. Da Fonseca highlighted the impact of cultural movements like the Casa dos Estudantes do Imp©rio in Lisbon, which played a crucial role in fostering nationalist awareness.
The Minister of State paid homage to key figures in the independence movement, particularly Ant³nio Agostinho Neto, whose work 'Sagrada Esperan§a' turned oppression into a call for freedom and dignity. He also acknowledged the efforts of Viriato da Cruz and M¡rio Pinto de Andrade, who argued that political independence necessitated mental and cultural liberation.
Da Fonseca pointed out that writing served as a form of resistance, even during severe repression, circulating clandestinely in concentration camps and prisons such as Tarrafal, So Paulo, and So Nicolau. The newly launched literary collection aims to celebrate half a century of Angolan history, identity, and thought, with contributions from authors like Pepetela, who continue to tell the story of the nation's development post-independence.
He declared that literature preserves memory, and memory sustains identity, which in turn ensures that Angola remains free, sovereign, and proud. On behalf of President Joo Louren§o, he expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, the Union of Angolan Writers, the Angolan Academy of Letters, and Mayamba Editora for their dedication to this editorial project, which he deemed vital for the progress of 'Nova Angola.'
The event was attended by the president of the National Assembly, Ado de Almeida, along with members of the Executive and notable figures from Angola's cultural landscape. Angola's independence was declared by President Ant³nio Agostinho Neto on November 11, 1975.
