Lunda-sul: The governor of the northeastern province of Lunda-Sul in Angola, Gildo Matias, emphasized the necessity for African unity to foster the continent's development. Speaking on Southern African Liberation Day, he underscored the importance of collaboration among African nations in critical sectors such as education, industrialization, and peace promotion.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Governor Matias stressed the significance of preserving national territorial integrity and honoring the efforts of former combatants. He proposed that the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale be included in Angolan history curricula to ensure its responsible absorption and to serve as a model for future generations. "A people without memory is a people without history and without identity," he stated, urging historians to focus on publishing relevant themes and fostering debates instead of waiting for commemorations.
He appealed to families to impart the values of peace, struggle, and dedication to noble causes in children, emphasizing the defense and sovereignty of national territory. The governor assured that the government remains committed to enhancing the productive roles of the nation's veterans and Former Combatants.
Regarding the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, Matias recalled it as a pivotal and challenging conflict that elevated Angola's standing with international support. He highlighted its role in the downfall of the Apartheid regime and the liberation of Namibia. The battle, the largest military confrontation of the Angolan civil war, spanned from November 15, 1987, to March 23, 1988, in the Cuito Cuanavale region of Cuando Cubango, where Angolan and Cuban forces faced off against UNITA and South African troops.