Former Angolan president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, died Friday, in Spain, after an illness, the government announced here.

In an official communique addressed to the nation, the Angolan government said that, it bows “with greatest respect and consideration” to the figure of a statesman of great historical dimension, who, for many years, ruled the nation during difficult times.

In the document, the government conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and appealed to everyone’s serenity in this time of pain and consternation.

Jose Eduardo dos Santos came to power in Sept, 1979, following the death of Antonio Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola.

He served as President of the Republic of Angola for 38 years, until Sept, 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, Joao Lourenco.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK