Luanda – Angolan President João Lourenço on Monday highlighted the active engagement of the late Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, "in the most critical moments faced by the country", in the "defence of the independence and national sovereignty.
In a message written in the Book of Condolences, in memory of the former President of the Republic, João Lourenço refers that in this moment of pain and consternation, Angolans mourn José Eduardo dos Santos.
"We bow and honour his memory; defending and perpetuating his greatest work, peace and national reconciliation", reads the message.
To the bereaved family, President João Lourenço expressed the deepest feelings of consternation.
Also paying homage to José Eduardo dos Santos were officials of different sovereign bodies, members of the Executive branch, deputies, defence and security bodies officials, religious personalities and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
The tributes to the former President of Angola, who died in Spain last Friday (8), victim of an illness, were opened today at the Republic Square, in Luanda.
From 2 p.m. the place will be open to the public to allow them to pay a dignified tribute to the former President of Angola.
Following the death of former president José Eduardo dos Santos, the Executive decreed seven days of National Mourning.
During this period, the National Flag will be placed at half-mast and public performances and demonstrations will be cancelled. The National Mourning period started at midnight on Saturday.
The former Angolan president died on Friday in Spain at the age of 79, a victim of illness.
José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of Angola 's first president, António Agostinho Neto.
He held the office of President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.
Besides being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the MPLA, the party 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 posts in the State and in MPLA.
He led the process that culminated with the signing of the Peace Accords, on 4th April 2002, following the death of the UNITA founding leader, Jonas Savimbi.
