Luanda:Angolan President Joao Lourenço emphasized the significance of national reconciliation, asserting that addressing the wounds of the past is crucial for the country's political stability, unity, and development. He made these remarks during the opening of the fifth legislative session at the National Assembly.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Lourenço recalled his public apology in 2021 for the crimes committed during the political conflicts that occurred between Angola's independence on 11 November 1975 and the restoration of peace on 4 April 2002. He stressed that healing these historical wounds is vital for enabling Angolans to collaborate on national development initiatives.
The President also acknowledged the rights of Jonas Malheiro Savimbi's family to retrieve his remains for a dignified burial in line with Christian and African traditions. Savimbi was the founder and former president of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Additionally, Lourenço highlighted the tributes paid to leaders of national liberation movements, including António Agostinho Neto, Álvaro Holden Roberto, and Savimbi, during the 50th anniversary celebrations of national independence.
Lourenço underlined the importance of forgiveness and overcoming political, ideological, ethnic, and religious differences to build a prosperous and harmonious society. He stated that national reconciliation and stability are collective responsibilities and essential for economic and social progress, as well as for improving the living standards of Angolans.
As part of these reconciliation efforts, he noted the inauguration of the Memorial to the Victims of Political Conflicts in Luanda, named 'Aliança Eterna' (Eternal Covenant). This memorial aims to preserve historical memory, promote national reconciliation, and honor those who suffered from political conflicts, reinforcing values of peace, unity, and development in the country.
