Cahombo – Survivors and descendants of the martyrs of the colonial repression in Lower Cassanje today demanded the improvement of social conditions of the region as a way of valorising the heroes of this historical action, which dictated the independence of the country in 1975.
61 years after the massacre of Cassanje, some of the participants defend more efforts for the improvement of the quality of life of the population, which is struggling with several difficulties.
Interviewed on the occasion of 4 January (Day of the Martyrs of Colonial Repression), the interlocutors called for the extension of the school and hospital network, as well as of the energy and water services.
According to the chief Manuel Kituxe Zaje “Yalanguela”, from Quela municipality, it is imperative to bet on the welfare of the population of Lower Cassanje to reverse the current situation, characterised by the lack of social services.
On 4 January 1961, peasants of the cotton fields of Cassanje in northern Malanje province were murdered for protesting against the low prices of cotton bought by the oppressive regime. The response was bombing by the Portuguese Air Force, which claimed the lives of thousands of people.
Covering 80 square kilometres, the Lower Cassanje comprises the provinces of Malanje, Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul.
Source: Angola Press News Agency