Angola: 48 Years of Independence. What Future?

Angola celebrates today 48 years since it became independent from Portugal. This year, the festivities are under the motto " November 11th, United for the development of the country ". This anniversary is more than a mark on the calendar; it is a reflection of the tumultuous journey, the challenges overcome and the progress achieved by the Angolan people.

At midnight on November 11, 1975, in Luanda, the humanist, poet, and physician António Agostinho Neto, president of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola ( MPLA ), proclaimed the independence of his country, amidst civil war and with the South African army at the gates of the capital.

After 48 years, the province of Lunda Sul will host this Saturday the central event of the festivities, which should have as its highlight the inauguration of several social infrastructures.

A historic night

48 years ago, at midnight, in a country surrounded by racist neighbors, the then Rhodesia, South Africa and Namibia António Agostinho Neto proclaimed the independence of Angola. This was a crucial episode, marked by the tense outlook of the civil war and the imminent presence of the South African Army in the vicinity of Luanda.

The proclamation was a milestone that determined the destiny of Angola, beginning a new chapter after centuries of Portuguese colonization. In the middle of the civil war, in what would come to be known precisely as Praça da Independência, in Luanda, the leader of the MPLA announced:

“In the name of the Angolan People, the Central Committee of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, solemnly proclaims the Independence of Angola before Africa and the World”.

In his speech, Agostinho Neto referred to the long journey that represents the heroic history of a People who, under the unitary and correct guidance of their vanguard, relying solely on their own strength, decided to fight for the right to be free and independent, remembering the dawn of February 4, 1961 as the beginning of the fight against Portuguese colonial domination.

The leader made it clear that:

“Our fight was not and never will be against the Portuguese people”.

“From now on, we will be able to cement fraternal links between the two peoples who have common historical and linguistic ties and the same objective: freedom”.

On the afternoon of the previous day, November 10, 1975, the Portuguese flag had been lowered in the Government Palace for the last time.

Angola was the last Portuguese colony in Africa to declare independence. Guinea-Bissau had declared independence, unilaterally, in the liberated areas, in September 1973. In June 1975 it was the turn of Mozambique and a month later, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.

48 Years of Progress and Challenges

The decision to declare independence was challenging, as the country faced internal divisions over who should lead after the colonizers withdrew. This political uncertainty contributed to a climate of civil war, which marked the first years of independence.

Agostinho Neto, in addition to being a notable humanist and poet, became the first president of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). His role was crucial not only in proclaiming independence, but also in consolidating efforts to build a sovereign nation.

Since independence, Angola has faced significant challenges, but has also achieved notable progress. This year, the celebrations are concentrated in the province of Lunda Sul, where the central event will take place. The inauguration of social infrastructure highlights ongoing efforts to boost national development.

Reconstruction after the civil war was an arduous task. The devastated infrastructure needed to be revitalized and the country needed to find ways to strengthen the economy and promote political stability.

However, Angola has achieved remarkable progress in recent decades. Sectors such as oil and diamonds played essential roles in the economic recovery, contributing to financial stability.

However, despite these achievements, challenges remain, such as the need to diversify the economy, improve education and strengthen democratic institutions. The post-independence path is marked by a complex narrative of achievements and obstacles, reflecting the commitment of the Angolan people to a more promising future.

Angola's future

As Angola celebrates 48 years of independence, the crucial question arises: where is the country headed? The colonial occupation was a fundamental test of the Angolan people's capacity for resistance and unity. Independence was not just the achievement of sovereignty; it was the beginning of a collective effort to build a prosperous nation.

Manuel Mbalu, a member of parliament for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola ( UNITA ), believes that Angola's 48 years of independence have brought gains to the country, but that this anniversary should serve as a moment for reflection.

Today, the challenge is to continue the journey towards sustainable development. Building a diversified economy, investing in education and health, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting equality are essential elements for Angola's future. National unity is the key to facing these challenges and forging a path to a brighter future.

In terms of education and training of national staff, that is, the training of human capital in various areas, in the last 48 years, the numbers achieved reveal that the country remains firm towards progress, if we take into account that, at the time of National Independence, more than 85% of the Angolan population was illiterate.

Likewise, the most recent statistics demonstrate that the country's efforts to diversify the economy are already showing encouraging results. The funds allocated by the General State Budget 2024, to the agricultural, fishing, industrial and other non-oil productive sectors, clearly reflect the Government's commitment to economic diversification.

Conclusion

When revisiting Angola's 48 years of independence, it is clear that the country faced significant challenges, but it also achieved notable progress. The resistance of the Angolan people and the determination to overcome obstacles are evident. Celebrating this anniversary is not just a reflection on the past, but rather an affirmation of continued commitment to a brighter future.

Independence is not just the absence of colonization; it is the opportunity to shape the national destiny. Angola is at a crossroads and the choices made now will define the country's future course. By facing challenges with determination and seizing opportunities for growth and sustainable development, Angola can build a prosperous future for generations to come.

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Picture: © 2023 Francisco Lopes-Santos