Luanda: The President of the ruling MPLA, Joo Louren§o, expressed his concerns on Friday about the attitude of some citizens in Angola who continue to adopt behaviors of victimhood and self-exclusion, more than two decades after the nation achieved peace. Louren§o emphasized that this stance is contrary to the sentiment of the majority of the Angolan people.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Louren§o was speaking at the 9th Ordinary Session of the MPLA Central Committee, where he recalled that 23 years ago, Angola overcame its armed conflict and achieved lasting peace. He stressed that all Angolans possess the inalienable right to fully exercise citizenship and partake in national development.
Louren§o pointed out that certain compatriots insist on maintaining a mindset of victimhood and self-exclusion without real reasons or foundations, an attitude he believes undermines efforts to promote peace and national reconciliation. He warned that such behavior reveals a ‘hidden and ominous’ political agenda for the country’s future and urged citizens to abandon actions that contradict the unity and reconciliation felt by the majority of Angolans.
The MPLA leader reaffirmed the party’s dedication to preserving the peace achieved and promoting national reconciliation across all spheres of political and social life. He called for contributions from political parties, churches, businesses, professional associations, unions, and citizens committed to the Angolan nation to advance the country’s progress.
Joo Louren§o acknowledged the efforts of individuals and institutions within civil society and churches that promote peace, harmony, and discussions on national reconciliation. He also reflected on Angola’s history, noting that since the proclamation of independence on November 11, 1975, the country has faced significant challenges but has maintained its freedom and sovereign destiny.
He highlighted the achievement of lasting peace on April 4, 2002, as Angola’s second greatest historical milestone since independence, paving the way for reconciliation and mutual forgiveness among Angolans. Louren§o credited President Jos© Eduardo dos Santos for being a key figure in achieving peace and mentioned the continued reconciliation process, including the dignified burial of UNITA founder Jonas Malheiro Savimbi.
The MPLA leader also noted the public apology made by the President to families of victims of political conflicts from 1975 to 2002, reinforcing reconciliation and peace. He mentioned the establishment of the ministerial Commission for the Implementation of the Reconciliation Plan in Memory of the Victims of Political Conflicts (CIVICOP), which promotes forgiveness and national cohesion under the motto “Forgive and Embrace.”
Louren§o emphasized that these actions underline the country’s commitment to peace and national reconciliation, necessary for rebuilding and developing Angola. The session also covered discussions on Local Content in the Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Industries, and the 2026 political agenda, focusing on preparatory actions for the Ordinary Congress, which will lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
