Luísa Diogo, the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Mozambique, died this Friday at the age of 68, after a long illness, in Portugal, according to an official source.

The President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, highlighted her “dedication to the public cause” and to the development of the nation, as well as her promotion of gender equality, also mentioned by Marcelo Rebelo.

"It was a life of service to the country, with dedication and competence that earned recognition and respect within our ranks." "We extend our deepest condolences to his family.".

The former Mozambican head of state, Armando Guebuza, stated, in a statement of condolence released on their social media.

Luísa Diogo was born in 1958 in the Mozambican province of Tete, in the center of the country. She was appointed Prime Minister of Mozambique in 2004, in the final phase of the last government of President Joaquim Chissano, and continued in the same role during Armando Guebuza's first term.

In 2010 she left her post, subsequently taking up a seat as a member of parliament for the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo, the party in power since 1975) in the Assembly of the Republic.

Holding a degree in Economics from Eduardo Mondlane University and a master's degree in Financial Economics from the University of London, Diogo also served as Deputy Minister and Minister of Planning and Finance between 1994 and 2005.

In 2012 she was appointed chair of the board of directors of Barclays Bank Mozambique, a South African-owned bank, but before that, between 1993 and 1994, she was a program officer for the World Bank in Mozambique. Luísa Diogo was also a writer, having published the book "A sopa de madrugada" (The Dawn Soup).

In a statement, Absa Bank Mozambique expressed its deep sorrow at the passing of Luísa Diogo, former Chair of the Board of Directors of the institution and member of the Board of Directors of the Absa Group in South Africa.

"Throughout her career, Luísa Diogo was an undeniable reference point for leadership in Mozambique."

"At Absa Bank Mozambique, he played a decisive role during key moments of transformation."

"He left a lasting mark on the bank's culture, its leadership style, and its commitment to the country's economic and social development.""The bank said in a statement of regret."

The Portuguese head of state, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, also expressed his sorrow at the death of Luísa Diogo. according to a note published on the Presidency's website.

“Luísa Diogo was the first Mozambican woman to hold the positions of Minister of Planning and Finance and, later, Prime Minister, during delicate moments in Mozambique's history.”

"In these last roles, she was one of only 100 women to have served as Prime Minister in the world."

"A champion of the promotion and protection of women's rights, she always supported initiatives that contributed to a more balanced participation of women in the economic, political, social and cultural life of her country whenever possible.".

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa provided context, praising the former head of government's technical skills, as well as her rigor and "humanity and respect for all."

On the other hand, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his deepest condolences to his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo, for this loss, and to all "the brotherly Mozambican people," with special attention to the family and friends of Luísa Diogo.

Picture: © 2017 DR