Luanda: Angola's ruling MPLA party is celebrating its 69th foundation anniversary with the unveiling of a new national headquarters, marking six decades of active participation in the country's political, military, and social life. Founded on December 10, 1956, the MPLA began as a nationalist force resisting Portuguese colonialism, evolving into Angola's dominant political party and a key player in the nation's formation.
According to Angola Press News Agency, MPLA was created by a group of Angolan intellectuals and nationalists, inspired by the self-determination of African peoples and a unifying national vision. In the 1960s, it became a guerrilla movement, establishing bases to fight the Portuguese colonial regime. During Angola's liberation war, figures like Agostinho Neto, who became the first President of the independent country, emerged as significant leaders.
On November 11, 1975, after Agostinho Neto proclaimed Independence, MPLA assumed control of the Angolan state. The post-independence era faced challenges, including a civil war lasting until 2002. In 1979, after Neto's death, Jos© Eduardo dos Santos led both the party and the Republic, steering Angola through political, military, and economic changes. The civil war's end initiated national reconstruction, with MPLA ensuring institutional stability.
With the 1992 Constitution, Angola adopted a multiparty system. The MPLA remained the majority political force in elections held in 1992, 2008, 2012, 2017, and 2022, significantly influencing the country's governance. In 2017, Joo Louren§o assumed the presidency of the party and the Republic, initiating reforms focusing on combating corruption, moralizing public management, and economic diversification.
In recent decades, MPLA aimed to modernize its structure, invest in training, and strengthen youth and women's political participation. The party has positioned itself as both a historical and adaptive force in a changing national and international context. Celebrating its 69th anniversary, MPLA underscores its commitment to preserving achievements and building a better future for Angolans, a theme of this year's celebrations.
A mass political rally in Kilamba, Luanda, is scheduled for Saturday, highlighting the commemorative agenda.
