"National mourning is declared to be observed throughout the national territory and in diplomatic and consular missions", can be read in a presidential decree this Friday signed by the head of state.
According to the decree, national mourning begins at 00:00 on Saturday, July 9, and lasts for five days, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast and all shows and public demonstrations will be cancelled.
The head of state justifies the tribute with the fact that President José Eduardo dos Santos was "a unique figure of the Angolan homeland, to which he dedicated himself from a very early age, having had a relevant participation in the fight against colonization, in the conquest of National Independence , in the consolidation of the Angolan Nation, in its affirmation in the context of Nations, in the conquest of Peace and national reconstruction and reconciliation".
The national mourning therefore aims "to honorably honor his figure, his work, his deeds and his legacy", adds the presidential decree.
José Eduardo dos Santos died this Friday at the age of 79 in Barcelona, after a prolonged illness, announced the Presidency of the Republic of Angola.
The former President had been in intensive care for two weeks at a clinic in Barcelona.
In a statement, the Angolan executive presents "deep feelings of regret" to the family and appeals "to everyone's serenity in this moment of pain and consternation".
José Eduardo dos Santos succeeded Agostinho Neto as President in 1979 and left office in 2017, serving one of the longest presidencies in the world, being regularly accused by international organizations of corruption and nepotism.
In 2017, he resigned from re-candidate and the current President, João Lourenço, succeeded him in office, having also been elected by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed the country since independence from Portugal in 1975.
