Adalberto da Costa Júnior spoke on Saturday to his supporters at the first rally of the year, in Cabinda, a region in the north of Angola, geographically discontinued from Angolan territory and where independence movements persist, which the Angolan State does not recognize, such as the Front for the Liberation of State of Cabinda – Armed Forces of Cabinda (FLEC-FAC).
The UNITA leader, who held a heated debate on Friday with civic and political activists and members of Cabindan civil society, highlighted that he defends autonomy and that this proposal will be materialized.
"When we arrived, there were a lot of people who criticized us because we should first listen and only then announce, ok, we took good note and we are once again updating the different opinions", he declared, adding that consideration must be given to what type of autonomy is desired and "it must come from a true and transparent negotiation, and not an imposed one".
The president of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola also pointed out that many countries embrace autonomy, which is "normal as long as it comes from a sincere, true dialogue", giving South Africa and São Tome and Príncipe as an example, Portugal and Spain, among others.
Adalberto da Costa Júnior praised the people of Cabinda and considered that "if there was no oil, perhaps everyone would be better off, because this resource is also the reason for our divisions.
The leader of the "galo negro" party recalled that in 2025 Angola celebrates 50 years of independence and that the war has already ended 20 years ago and it is necessary that the conflicts in Cabinda also end, calling for dialogue without excluding anyone.
"All areas want to talk to us, and we are available", he stressed, insisting that "here in Angola no one wants war anymore", but rather "turning the page" on a poor Angola without rights.
"Angola needs new leadership", he reinforced.
