Accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic, at the wake of Lieutenant General José João 'Mawa', the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces "laid flowers next to the coffin of his former close collaborator, comforted his closest family members and before leaving the wake (Army Command), signed the book of condolences", says a statement from the Presidency to which VerAngola had access.
In the message left in the book, the head of state highlighted the general's "courage and determination", as well as his career.
"It is with deep consternation that we learn 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," he began by writing.
"At a very young age, he joined the anti-colonial struggle, preparing himself for the arduous missions he would later be called upon to fulfill in the context of an independent country. From his vast career, a very special mention should be made of the fact that he contributed, for decades, to the strengthening and increasing improvement of the protection and defense services of the highest figures in the State", he highlighted.
"Recognizing the extensive service record of the General officer who is now leaving us, I express on my behalf and that of my family my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and to all his companions on his exemplary journey through Angola," he concluded.
João Lourenço highlights the "brilliant career" of General 'Xietu'
Also on Thursday, the President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the family of General 'Xietu', who died this Wednesday in Luanda.
In his message, released by the Presidency of the Republic and to which VerAngola had access, the head of state highlighted the general's "brilliant career".
"It is with immense sadness and consternation that I learned of the death of João Luís Neto 'Xietu', a retired Army General of the Special Inter-Arms Cadre. It is with regret that we continue to see the departure of some of the most courageous nationalists and fighters for the independence and freedom of the Angolan people," he said.
"General 'Xietu' joined the MPLA at the end of 1960 and actively collaborated in the preparations for the heroic 4th of February, the beginning of the Armed Struggle for National Liberation. He then joined the MPLA guerrilla corps, having been the first Chief of the General Staff of the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and having risen, through his own merit, to the highest rank in the military hierarchy, that of Army General", he continued.
João Lourenço also states that during the general's "brilliant career", he was given honours and awarded medals: "During his brilliant career he was given honours and awarded medals of the highest value, in recognition of his achievements".
"The Angolan homeland has lost one of its best sons," he added.
Finally, the President of the Republic expressed his "sincere condolences to the bereaved family, to his circle of friends and to his comrades in arms".
