Dar Es Salaam:Angolan President João Lourenço toured the African Liberation Heritage Centre (ALHC) on Thursday during his state visit to Tanzania. He emphasized the historical ties and shared struggles against colonialism, framing the center as a symbol of African collective memory and a testament to the continent's fight for freedom and independence.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Lourenço inscribed a message in the institution's book of honor, commending Tanzania and its historical leaders for their contributions to Africa's liberation. He highlighted the center's role in preserving the values that united African peoples in their battle against colonial rule.
The ALHC, which served as the headquarters of the Liberation Committee of the Organization of African Unity from 1963 to 1994, coordinated support for movements battling colonialism and apartheid. Under the leadership of former President Julius Nyerere, Tanzania supported liberation movements such as Angola's MPLA, Mozambique's FRELIMO, South Africa's ANC, and Namibia's SWAPO.
The center preserves various records related to African liberation struggles, including documents and testimonies of solidarity. The collection on Angola features the history of the MPLA and its ties with Tanzania, including a notable 1974 conference by Angola's first President, António Agostinho Neto, at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Plans are underway to restore Agostinho Neto's former residence in Dar es Salaam and transform it into a memorial museum. President Lourenço's visit continues on Friday with a trip to Dodoma, where he will attend the inauguration of the Mtumba Government City with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
