Luanda - Angola Executive has expressed sorrow at the death of the former President of Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos, occurred in Spain, victim of illness.
In an official statement addressed to the nation, the government expressed its "greatest respect and consideration" for the figure of a statesman of great historical importance, who ruled for many years with "clear-sightedness and humanism" the fate of the nation in difficult times.
The Executive presents to the bereaved family its deepest condolences and appeals to all for the serenity in this moment of pain and consternation.
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José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of the First President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.
He served as President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.
In addition to being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the ruling MPLA party, the political organization that has ruled the country since the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.
His political record also includes the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other functions in the State and in the MPLA.
He led the process that culminated in the signing of the Peace Accords on 4 April, 2002, following the death of the then founding leader of UNITA, Jonas Savimbi.
