Minister Urges Immediate Action to Combat Road Accident Crisis in Angola

Luanda: The Minister of Telecommunications, Information and Social Communication Technology, Mário de Oliveira, has called upon the Angolan society to urgently and decisively address the escalating issue of road accidents in the country, aiming to protect human lives. According to Angola Press News Agency, Mário de Oliveira conveyed his concerns via social media, labeling the situation as a 'silent calamity' that has claimed innocent lives, shattered families, and obliterated promising futures, particularly among the youth. He emphasized the uncertainty faced by thousands of Angolans who leave their homes each week, unsure if they will return alive, and stressed that peace cannot coexist with the continuous loss of life on the roads. The minister identified major causes of road accidents, including speeding, driving under the influence, disregard for traffic laws, and collective indifference. He advocated for a coordinated and comprehensive response to enhance road education and supervision, involving all s ocietal sectors. Oliveira proposed mobilizing schools, churches, communities, and various media platforms to raise awareness. He emphasized the need to instill a new mindset among drivers, centered on respecting others' lives, civic responsibility, and empathy. In his closing remarks, the minister highlighted the urgency to protect lives, humanize traffic, and transform roads from dangerous paths into safe passageways. Road accidents remain a significant cause of death in Angola, necessitating a national response to address the issue's severity.