Message from the Head of State to the Nation

Angolan Women and Men, Dear Compatriots, Angola has lived through dramatic moments in its history that left deep wounds, which we have nevertheless been able to heal within the framework of Peace and National Reconciliation, a process that has been steadily consolidated over the past 24 years and which is a source of great pride and satisfaction for us. We decided to establish the Interministerial Commission for the Victims of Political Conflicts among Angolans, which occurred between 11 November 1975 and 4 April 2002. Since its establishment, through solemn public ceremonies, the Commission has already handed over to families a number of sets of human remains belonging to citizens who lost their lives in the context of those conflicts, allowing their families to hold dignified funerals. Peace and reconciliation among Angolans, forgiveness and the embrace of brothers and sisters, can only be genuine if they are grounded in transparency and in our collective willingness to acknowledge the painful legacy of our history. Without any need to conceal or erase the painful truth of what happened, everything must be done to ensure that no ethnic, religious or political conflict ever again occurs on Angolan soil, causing suffering or threatening the physical integrity and lives of Angolans. Angolan Women and Men, Dear Compatriots, As part of the work already underway, this time hundreds of human remains will be handed over to their respective families. Forgiveness and reconciliation are the right path for us to rise as a reconciled Nation, ready to dedicate itself to the great mission of economic and social development, to the prosperity and well-being of the Angolan people, and to making Angola a great country. At this moment of profound grief and reflection, allow me, on behalf of the Angolan State, to convey words of encouragement and comfort to all the families affected by this tragedy. Angolan Women and Men Dear Compatriots, Given the large number of victims and the consequent impact that the forthcoming ceremony will have on our society, I have decided to declare one day of National Mourning throughout the national territory on Friday, 22 May of this year, in memory of all the victims of the conflicts. The past cannot be erased, but it must serve as a point of reflection to prevent the repetition of past mistakes and crimes and to transform the lessons learned into the foundations for building a homeland of justice, peace and development. Speaking about the horrors of the conflicts that occurred during that period must no longer be considered taboo—not because we wish to reopen wounds and make them even more painful, much less to point fingers at presumed perpetrators, but so that we may clearly understand that the responsibility to do everything possible to definitively eliminate any possibility of such a tragedy ever happening again belongs to all of us. Our common purpose is to restore our Nation, heal our wounds and renew our hope. This is an invitation to humility, repentance and forgiveness, so that we may strengthen our identity as a prosperous and blessed Nation.