LUANDA – Angola is celebrating 48 years of independence on Saturday, commemorating the day when the nation achieved sovereignty on November 11, 1975. This year, the central festivities are held in the eastern province of Lunda Sul, echoing the theme: “11 November: United for the Development of Angola”.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Angola’s journey to independence was a culmination of a long and heroic struggle against Portuguese colonial rule, which lasted nearly five centuries. The independence was proclaimed by António Agostinho Neto, the President of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), marking his inauguration as the first Head of State of the newly established People’s Republic of Angola.

The liberation movement began in earnest on February 4, 1961, characterized by the brave actions of patriots who, armed with machetes, stormed prisons in Luanda to free those imprisoned for advocating self-determination. This pivotal event followed other significant uprisings, including the Baixa de Cassanje rebellion against forced labor in 1961 and attacks on police stations in northern Angola. These acts of defiance were underpinned by centuries of resistance against colonial occupation, dating back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries in various Angolan kingdoms.

The path to independence also included the Alvor Agreement, signed in Portugal in January 1975. This agreement, involving the Portuguese government, MPLA, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), and the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), was crucial as it led to Portugal recognizing Angola’s right to independence.

Since achieving independence, Angola has focused on maintaining its territorial integrity and developing political and economic cooperation with nations worldwide, essential for its growth and development.

The independence day celebrations include various official acts. In Saurimo city, Lunda Sul, the event is led by the Minister of State and Head of the President’s Civil Office, Adão de Almeida. In Luanda, significant activities include hoisting the Monument Flag at the National Museum of Military History and laying a wreath on Independence Avenue, presided over by the Minister of State and Head of the Military Affairs Office of the President of the Republic, Francisco Pereira Furtado.