The country marked 18 years of effective peace, since the signing of the peace and national reconciliation agreements in Luena, between the government of MPLA - Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola - and UNITA - National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, which put end hostilities.
In a message released to celebrate the occasion, João Lourenço recalls his predecessor, José Eduardo dos Santos, who "as a statesman, at the time knew how to interpret" the sentiment of the vast majority of Angolans that he considers to be "true peacemakers".
"Angolans understood that it was only in peace that it was possible to have a democratic, prosperous and developed Angola that our ancestors always dreamed of and fought for", stresses the chief executive.
On the 18th anniversary of the date, which takes place “in an environment of economic crisis that began in 2014, which was worsening with the increase in public debt and the fall in oil prices”, João Lourenço calls on Angolans to comply with the established to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
The President also stresses that “in these difficult days of fighting an invisible and deadly enemy” in which an “atypical war” is being waged, Angolans must use two weapons: stay at home and wash their hands with soap.
“Only individual and collective self-discipline will save us, so that we can return to our normal lives and enjoy the benefits of peace and national reconciliation”, appeals to João Lourenço, promising “a war without cease to covid-19”.
