The government decided to create, in all provinces, places for public funerals while waiting for a date to be set for the funeral of the former head of state.
In Luanda, the Memorial Dr. António Agostinho Neto, where a tent with a photograph of José Eduardo dos Santos will be installed, to host the main event of the tributes.
The ceremonies begin at 10:00 am, in the presence of the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, who will sign the book of condolences, Marcy Lopes.
After the opening of the condolence book, representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the executive and other representatives follow, with the ceremony open from 2 pm to all citizens who wish to pay tribute to the former President.
Marcy Lopes called for civic behavior and compliance with the rules to ensure that everything takes place with "order, tranquility, a sense of state and public recognition" to José Eduardo dos Santos, adding that spaces for tribute are open in the remaining 17 provinces.
The Memorial Dr. António Agostinho Neto, also known as the Foguetão, is a monument that honors the first President of the Republic and was inaugurated on September 17, 2012, by José Eduardo dos Santos.
With an area of 18 hectares, it has a central block that houses the sarcophagus where the mortal remains of Agostinho Neto, who died in Moscow, on September 10, 1979, rest.
In addition to the old 120-meter high Rocket, the Memorial has a museum, an exhibition gallery, multipurpose rooms, a library and a documentation center.
The exterior part comprises a main square, tribune, car park and a huge 500-meter avenue for parades.
Angola is in national mourning for seven days, which means that in public institutions the flags are placed at half mast.
Political, sporting and cultural events are also prohibited, which has already forced the cancellation of rallies that four parties had scheduled for Saturday, as well as the postponement of festivals, musical shows and meetings that were scheduled for next week.
The government has declared that it intends to hold a state funeral in Luanda, a decision opposed by one of the eldest daughters, Tchizé dos Santos, stating that this was not her father's will and that José Eduardo dos Santos did not want to be buried in Angola while João Lourenço is in power.
Regarding the arrival of the body in Luanda, the minister of Territory Administration and spokesperson for the multisectoral commission for funeral ceremonies said it was "premature" to provide information on the matter.
Speaking to the press, Marcy Lopes said that an executive delegation is in Barcelona, with the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Téte António, interacting with the family of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, in order to reach an understanding.
Former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos died on Friday, aged 79, in a clinic in Barcelona, Spain, after weeks of hospitalization.
