In a statement, alluding to the Day of the Martyrs of Colonial Repression, which this Thursday marks, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), "reiterates a heartfelt and patriotic tribute to the victims, with a firm commitment to preserving the historical legacy ".
The MPLA Political Bureau stated that, by celebrating the 4th of January, the party expresses "renewed recognition for the determination and resistance of the Angolan people to colonization and mistreatment, reflected in the actions that led to the Baixa de Cassanje Massacre, perpetrated in 1961, by the Portuguese colonial regime against defenseless citizens".
62 years ago, in Baixa de Cassanje, Malanje province, the first rebellion against the Portuguese colonial regime took place, started by rural workers from Companhia Geral de Algodões de Angola (Cotonang), then an Angolan cotton producing company, with participation Belgian, in force in colonial times.
This peasant revolt is considered one of the events that marked the history of Angola in the fight for independence, achieved in 1975.
For the MPLA, the brave action of the peasants of Baixa de Cassanje, "more than just defense of rights", constitutes an unequivocal sign of unconditional defense of the homeland.
"For this reason, the heroic feat of January 4, 1961, must be transformed into a source of inspiration for all citizens, from Cabinda to Cunene, in order to value the date, whose historical dimension requires permanent demonstrations of recognition to its mentors, to whom the country and its children will be eternally grateful", reads the statement.
The party also salutes all Angolans who, throughout the struggle, have contributed, with a high civic stance, to the preservation of the greatest achievements, including national independence, territorial integrity, peace, unity and national reconciliation."
