On Monday, according to a note from CIPRA to which VerAngola had access, the head of state expressed deep regret for the death of Lieutenant General José João 'Mawa', having highlighted "his invaluable contribution to the defense and security of the country".
In his message of condolences, "addressed to the grieving family and his fellow travelers", the President of the Republic "praised the career of the general officer, who from a young age joined the anti-colonial struggle and stood out over the decades for his commitment to protecting and defending the highest figures in the State".
João Lourenço said it was with "deep consternation" that he learned of the general's death.
"With deep consternation, we learned of the death of Lieutenant General José João 'Mawa', a man of arms who served, with courage and determination, the Angolan people in the most diverse circumstances", says the message, quoted by CIPRA.
The Head of State highlighted that the General "played a fundamental role in strengthening the State's protection services, leaving a legacy of dedication and professionalism".
Finally, the President expressed "feelings of condolence": "Recognizing the extensive service record of the general officer who is now leaving us, I express, on my behalf and that of my family, deep feelings of condolence to the bereaved family and to all the companions of his exemplary journey through Angola."
Last Saturday, the President of the Republic paid a final tribute to Army General Alberto Correia Neto, at the funeral ceremony, which took place at R20, in Luanda.
"In the solemn act, the Head of State, accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço, laid a wreath of flowers next to the coffin, as a sign of respect and recognition for the trajectory of General Alberto Correia Neto", reads a note from CIPRA, to which VerAngola had access.
In addition, João Lourenço also signed the book of condolences.
"It is with great pain and sadness that we learned of the death of retired General Alberto Correia Neto, a man of integrity, who dedicated his entire life to serving the interests of the Angolan homeland," he began by writing.
"Even before independence, he was imprisoned in the dungeons of Tarrafal, in Cape Verde, for his work with the clandestine group that fought against the Portuguese colonial presence. His dynamism and service to the Angolan people later led him to participate in the political, military and diplomatic fronts, where he zealously carried out several missions of great importance for the FAPLA, the FAA and Angolan diplomacy", he added.
"We bow before his memory and express our condolences to the bereaved family and all the friends and companions of this long and dignified life journey," he concluded.
The ceremony was attended by "various state entities, members of the Angolan Armed Forces, family members and friends, who gathered to bid a final farewell" to the general, who died on March 12, in Spain, at the age of 76.
