Luanda: The former President of the Republic of Angola, Jos© Eduardo dos Santos, was posthumously awarded the Class of Honor Medal on Thursday, as part of the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of National Independence. The prestigious medal was presented by the current President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, and received by Jos© Eduardo dos Santos' son, Danilo dos Santos.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this distinction acknowledges the significant historical contributions of Jos© Eduardo dos Santos in consolidating national sovereignty and aiding post-war reconstruction. Serving as Angola's president for 38 years, he is regarded as a pivotal figure in the nation's modern history. Born in Luanda on August 28, 1942, Jos© Eduardo dos Santos was the son of Eduardo Avelino dos Santos and Jacinta Jos© Paulino. He pursued an education in Petroleum Engineering at the Baku Oil and Gas Institute in the former Soviet Union, where he also underwent political and ideological training.
Jos© Eduardo dos Santos joined the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) at a young age and undertook diplomatic responsibilities during the national liberation struggle. Following Angola's independence proclamation on November 11, 1975, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and was a member of the MPLA Political Bureau. With the passing of President Agostinho Neto in 1979, Jos© Eduardo dos Santos was elected as President of the Republic and leader of the MPLA, maintaining these positions until 2017, which made him one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state.
Throughout his presidency, he navigated the nation through times of conflict and peace, playing a key role in the processes leading to the cessation of armed conflict in 2002 and the signing of the Peace Agreement ending nearly three decades of civil war. Post-conflict, Jos© Eduardo dos Santos focused on national reconstruction and economic growth, largely driven by oil exploration and extensive infrastructure projects. He is affectionately remembered by many Angolans as the 'President of Peace' for his efforts in stabilizing the country and transitioning it to a period of post-war prosperity.
Jos© Eduardo dos Santos was honored with numerous accolades during his lifetime, including the Order of Agostinho Neto and the Order of Amlcar Cabral (Cabo Verde). The awarding of the Class of Honor Medal in 2025 further cements the Angolan State's recognition of his enduring impact on the nation.
