For the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), Holden Roberto, founding leader of the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA), and Jonas Savimbi, founder of UNITA, should be recognised by the Government as fathers of independence and national heroes, alongside Agostinho Neto, of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
In a statement alluding to the 23rd anniversary of the Day of Peace and National Reconciliation, which is being celebrated this Tuesday, UNITA considers it an injustice and that Angola's history is being "torpedoed" with the "continuous lack of recognition" of the patriotic contribution of Holden Roberto and Jonas Savimbi alongside Agostinho Neto – the three signatories of the Alvor Agreement with the Portuguese colonial government on 15 January 1975, which contributed to Angola's independence.
Several figures from political life (including nationalists and former combatants from the FNLA, UNITA and MPLA), economic, social, cultural and sporting life are on the list of decorations that will be awarded this Friday by President João Lourenço, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence.
At least 247 personalities are on this first list of honourees and in various political circles and civil society they question the absence of the names of Holden Roberto, Jonas Savimbi and other figures who were part of the three liberation movements of the country.
The executive secretariat of the Permanent Committee of the Political Commission of UNITA also expresses “repudiation and indignation” at the fact that on the day dedicated to Peace and National Reconciliation, the Government “excludes citizens of recognised merit in various areas of activity for political and ideological reasons”.
"Independence, peace, democracy, national reconciliation and development are the result of the construction and achievements of heroes and martyrs, of countless sacrifices by the sons of Angola, whose work is recorded in (...) history and inspired the action of the nationalist forces that fought against Portuguese colonialism in Angola", the statement states.
Regarding the anniversary of Peace and Reconciliation, UNITA salutes and encourages the Angolan people to continue the struggle for their political, social, economic and cultural rights, enshrined in the Constitution, for the defence and preservation of peace, for a Democratic State of Law and for “effective” national reconciliation.
UNITA notes that, 50 years after independence and 23 years of peace, Angolans continue to experience a “serious” political, economic, social, legal and justice crisis.
In this sense, the political party states that Angola is experiencing a “regression” in the indicators of the democratic rule of law, “persecution and demonization” of political opponents and denial of equal treatment by entities that exercise public power, denial of the right to impartial treatment by the public press, among others.
Regarding the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence, to be celebrated on April 11, 2025, UNITA “categorically” rejects participating in festive galas “while compatriots die of hunger and preventable diseases, such as cholera, and thousands of children continue to fight over crumbs in garbage containers”.
