UNITA highlights “great example of courage” of former leaders killed 30 years ago

Adalberto Costa Júnior, who presented the eulogy of the two former leaders of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, stressed that both were "men of courage" and "possessed noble characteristics".

The official funeral ceremony of Adolosi Mango Alicerces, former secretary-general of UNITA, and Elias Salupeto Pena, former head of the UNITA delegation at the Joint Political-Military Commission (CCPM), took place this Thursday at the SOVSMO complex, municipality of Viana, in Luanda.

The bones of these two former UNITA leaders were delivered by the Government in November 2021, by the Interministerial Commission for the Memory of Victims of Armed Conflicts in Angola, created by President João Lourenço.

Children, widows, relatives, friends, leaders of UNITA and other parties, guests and other people, sympathetic to the presence of the urns containing the mortal remains of the former leaders of the "black rooster", filled the SOVSMO complex.

Songs, recitation of poems, messages and testimonies filled the ceremony program, where family members and former comrades recalled the memory of these politicians, considering that they were "an example of struggle and courage to achieve peace".

The UNITA leader noted, in his speech, the "intellectual and courageous" qualities of Adolosi Mango Alicerces, referring that the politician was "demanding with himself and enjoyed much esteem, consideration and respect".

Elias Salupeto Pena, recalled Adalberto Costa Júnior, "liked to share the solid knowledge he had and was an easy man".

"In this solemn moment in honor of our heroes and martyrs, UNITA thanks you for your valiant commitment to the point of shedding your blood for the hope of Angolans", highlighted the president of UNITA.

Deputy Lukamba Paulo "Gato" and politician Abel Chivukuvuku presented, on the occasion, messages and testimonies of conviviality with the honorees, especially at the level of the party and the CPPM.

The remains of Adolosi Mango Alicerces will be buried on Friday, in the municipality of Bailundo, in Huambo province, and of Elias Salupeto Pena, will be buried on Saturday in the municipality of Andulo, province of Bié.