Malanje: The Minister of Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland, Joo Ernesto dos Santos, praised the bravery of the Baixa de Cassanje heroes today, marking it as a pivotal moment in the liberation and construction of a prosperous Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Minister emphasized that the revolt initiated by Angolan heroes was instrumental in paving the way for subsequent resistance actions, including the significant uprisings on February 4, 1961, and March 15, 1961, which marked the beginning and expansion of the armed struggle for national liberation against Portuguese colonialism.
During the Central event commemorating the Day of the Martyrs of Colonial Repression on January 4, the Minister highlighted that Angola's road to National Independence, proclaimed on November 11, 1975, was the result of a long historical struggle and resistance against colonial oppression. He noted that, even after 50 years of independence, the sacrifices made by Angolans have led to peace and national reconciliation.
The Minister reiterated that Angola's current freedom and sovereignty are built on the heroism of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, providing a solid foundation for future development. He urged Angolans to draw inspiration from the Baixa de Cassanje revolt to face current and future challenges victoriously.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the Angolan government is committed to addressing social problems and enhancing the population's well-being through economic recovery efforts. He encouraged all Angolans to actively participate in the nation's development by contributing to economic diversification efforts.
The Minister called for the unification of efforts, similar to the union formed on April 4, 2002, when politicians, military personnel, and civilians came together to establish peace in Angola. He also addressed the issue of vandalism of public assets, urging the public to report such acts which undermine economic and social facilities.
The event, held under the theme 'January 4th - honoring the martyrs of colonial repression, is keeping our history alive,' concluded with a message from the Angolan Confederation of Former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland. The Baixa de Cassanje revolt, which occurred on January 4, 1961, involved thousands of peasants protesting forced labor and low wages under Portuguese colonial rule in Malanje.
