Luanda: The forensic medical team of the Commission for the Implementation of the Reconciliation Plan in Memory of Victims of Political Conflicts (CIVICOP) has exhumed 3,104 cases in various provinces across Angola. This effort is part of a broader initiative to identify individuals affected by political conflicts in the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this information was shared by forensic pathologist Aur©lio Ngueve, head of CIVICOP's forensic medical team, during an inspection visit by President Joo Louren§o to the site of the future Memorial to Victims of Political Conflicts, which is nearing completion with 93.5% of the construction finished.
Ngueve emphasized the complexity of the identification work, noting that the passage of nearly five decades since the events has impacted the quality of the evidence and the ability to identify victims. Despite these challenges, the team is making progress by leveraging advancements in laboratory procedures to yield results in the identification process.
Ngueve highlighted that approximately 411 cases are associated with various provinces, with a significant number linked to Luanda, particularly the former Centre 14. The exhumation work is part of the national reconciliation process, aimed at preserving the memory of victims of political conflicts and upholding the dignity of those who lost their lives during periods of political and military instability in Angola.
The official also noted that some items and artefacts recovered during CIVICOP's operations are expected to be included in the collection of the future Memorial to Victims of Political Conflicts. The team is preparing and preserving objects associated with the victims, utilizing international expertise, particularly in the museum field.
Ngueve explained that the commission's work extends beyond forensic activities and includes a multidisciplinary team responsible for collecting audiovisual content to enrich the future memorial space. The content aims to provide visitors with substantial information about the events that shaped Angola during the political conflicts, focusing primarily on the period from 1975 to 2002, with additional data from 1974 to offer a broader historical context.
