Luanda: Angolan President Joo Louren§o paid tribute on Thursday to the former Foreign Minister and member of the National Assembly, Manuel Domingos Augusto, who died on the 5th of this month, at the age of 68, in Luanda, victim of illness. At the Army Headquarters of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), where the wake took place, the Head of State, accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Louren§o, laid a wreath next to the urn, offered condolences to the bereaved family and signed the book of condolences.

According to Angola Press News Agency, in the message left in the book of condolences, Joo Louren§o expressed deep dismay at the death of Manuel Augusto and praised his contribution to diplomacy, journalism and Angolan political life. The Head of State noted that he had received 'with the deepest pain' the news of the death of Manuel Augusto, whom he described as an important figure in national political life, diplomacy and journalism.

Joo Louren§o emphasized that 'Angola loses a son who dedicated the best of his time and life to defending the highest interests of the People', highlighting that the deceased held relevant positions in the State apparatus, with emphasis on heading Angolan diplomacy. The Angolan statesman also considered that Manuel Augusto leaves the country 'early', saying that he is 'a person suited for the highest and most refined performance in the fulfillment of his duty', who still had 'a lot to give as a public servant, statesman and convinced patriot'.

In the message, Joo Louren§o also sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the former ruler, wishing them courage to overcome 'such a difficult time'. The vice-president of the Republic, Esperan§a da Costa, the president of the National Assembly, Ado de Almeida, representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, deputies, political leaders and family members also paid tribute to the deceased.

After the end of the funeral ceremonies, during which several messages of tribute were read, the remains followed in a procession to the Alto das Cruzes Cemetery, where the burial took place. Born on September 2, 1957, Manuel Domingos Augusto held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2017 and 2020, after having served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, from 2010 to 2012.

Graduated in Public International Law, he also had a master's degree in Diplomacy, Diplomatic and Consular Law and Diplomatic Practice. Throughout his career, he served as Angola's ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union, between 2005 and 2010, as well as ambassador to Zambia, from 1995 to 1999. In the diplomatic field, he was also head of Angola's first diplomatic mission in South Africa (1992-1994), first secretary of the Angolan Embassy in Nigeria (1988-1992), head of the Western Countries Department of the Ministry of Foreign Trade (1985-1988) and responsible for the Western Countries sector, United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Economic Community, at the then Secretariat of State for Cooperation (1981-1985).

Manuel Augusto also served as deputy minister of Social Communication, between 1999 and 2005, having worked for several media bodies, including Televiso Pºblica de Angola (1976-1980) and Jornal de Angola (1980-1981). At the time of his death, he served as secretary of the MPLA Political Bureau for Foreign Affairs.