LUANDA: Angolan President João Lourenço has urged the newly appointed Minister of the Interior, Manuel Homem, to perform his duties confidently and without apprehension during an inauguration ceremony of four new government officials.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Lourenço emphasized his trust in Manuel Homem’s capabilities, despite his civilian background, expressing confidence that he will succeed as Minister of the Interior. The President remarked, “We decided to break with tradition by appointing a civilian Minister of the Interior, but I would like to ask him not to be afraid of the uniform, strength does not lie in the uniform, strength lies in the intelligence and determination of men.”
Manuel Homem, who previously served as the governor of Luanda, succeeds General Eugénio Laborinho in this position. During the ceremony, President Lourenço also inaugurated other key government officials, including the governors of Luanda and Benguela, and secretaries of state for various ministrie
s.
The President advised the new governor of Luanda to prioritize improving basic sanitation and the supply of drinking water in the city. Similarly, the new governor of Benguela was asked to focus on enhancing salt production, fishing, and agriculture, with special attention to the Lobito Corridor’s significance in both national and international contexts.
Moreover, President Lourenço directed the Secretary of State for Administration, Finance, and Heritage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure meticulous management of the ministry’s extensive global assets, particularly real estate utilized by diplomatic and consular missions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and effectively utilizing this infrastructure.
Addressing the Human Rights and Citizenship Department of the Ministry of Justice, the President highlighted the enduring concern for human rights in Angola, especially following a long and destructive war. He called for continued attention to human rights protection in the ongoing pea
ce and reconciliation efforts among Angolans.