Luanda - The Head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service, General João Pereira Massano, considered on Wednesday, in Luanda, a duty of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) to promote the reading, preservation and appreciation of the historical legacy of the extinct FAPLA, for the valuable contribution on the country's history.
According to the military leader, who granted an interview to ANGOP, from the period leading up to independence until its extinction in 1991, giving way to the FAA, following the Bicesse Accords, the former Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) “have become an inseparable part of the history of Angola and an unavoidable protagonist of the collective memory of Angolans”.
The extinct FAPLA were created on August 1, 1974, in the Luiameji chanas, province of Moxico. At the time, it was considered one of the largest Armies in Africa, both for its war tactics and organizational capacity.
General João Pereira Massano, who has a degree in history, said it was necessary to “assume with courage, without triumphalism, but with great pride”, that during its existence, this army fully fulfilled its role and helped write the historical path of Angola, with countless examples of bravery, heroism and patriotism.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its creation, the general officer salutes the entire Angolan military community and considers the August 1st to be an important milestone on Angola history.
The general officer also added that “we have to be able to tell our own story and be proud of our past, as it is the only one we have”.
João Pereira Massano reiterated that FAPLA's legacy must be studied, preserved and valued, above all, within the Angolan Armed Forces, so that they are increasingly the pillar of peace, security and prosperity for Angolans.
Creation of the Angolan Armed Forces
With the agreements for the pacification of the country, in 1991 the then Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), on the part of the Government, and the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FALA), for UNITA, merged, giving rise to the formation of a single army, currently known as the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA).
Hence, the institutionalization of the FAA, successor to the FAPLA, was embodied in the materialization of the provisions of the Bicesse Accords (Portugal).
For the general officer, since its creation, on October 9, 1991, until now, the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) are the symbol of national unity of the Republic of Angola.
More than three decades later, the FAA today also constitutes a source of national pride and embodies, in essence, the highest values of patriotism and citizenship.
The most obvious benefit for the country, when establishing its Armed Forces, is the guarantee of defending the inviolability of its territory, acting as a persuasive factor against possible risks of internal and external threats.
For this reason, the FAA is an instrument of the State's foreign policy, and can be used whenever the national interest is threatened and in peacekeeping missions, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic and in light of international and regional treaties that the country has taken over or might take over. AFL/ART/CF/DOJ
