Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the public presentation of the Jonas Malheiro Savimbi Foundation, the former leader said that Savimbi was "a personality who worked immensely for the country" and who still enjoys the appreciation of a significant number of Angolans, but there are also "many people" who believe that "we should not talk about" the founder of the largest opposition party, who fought a long war against the government for three decades and was killed in 2002.
"Lately I have met citizens who have told me: we killed those who wanted to save us and we are left with those who want to kill us. In the MPLA there are those who recognise the role of Jonas Savimbi, but there are those who do not, perhaps even in UNITA, perhaps in other parties, I am speaking in general", he said after saying in his speech that "many wanted and still want to erase [Savimbi's role] and others wanted and want to keep quiet, or ignore it".
When asked about the absence of UNITA leaders at the public presentation of the Foundation, to which he belongs with the status of chairman of the board of trustees, he stressed that invitations were sent "to everyone", including members of the government and the leadership of UNITA and other parties, and that it is up to the people who receive the invitation to decide.
Samakuva, who succeeded Jonas Savimbi as leader of UNITA for 16 years, being replaced by the current president, Adalberto Costa Júnior, also admitted that obstacles were placed in the creation of the foundation, which took three years to be legalised, instead of the 180 days stipulated by law, and several certificates from notaries were required.
"Basically, what happened is that some sectors thought that this should not be the case", stressed the politician, admitting that the intervention of President João Lourenço was important in unblocking the process.
Regarding the foundation's funding, he did not reveal details, stating that the aim is to work towards recognition as a public utility entity.
"But first of all, we will try to prove that we are a serious foundation that works for the good of the people", he stressed.
The Jonas Malheiro Savimbi Foundation has been embroiled in controversy since its legalization was announced after UNITA leader Adalberto Costa Júnior spoke of interference and instrumentalization, although he considers the family's desire to create this entity to be legitimate.
Isaías Samakuva, for his part, denied any intention of creating a new party and stated that he had informed Adalberto Costa Júnior about his new role as head of the foundation, also reiterating that his closeness to President João Lourenço is the result of old friendships.
The more than ten children of Savimbi who were present, and who took pictures together at the end of the ceremony, which was enlivened by church choirs, poetry recitals and mini-theaters, insisted that the foundation was created by the family's will and has no political aims.
