Angola’s 50th independence anniversary revisits a turbulent past of war and resilience
Angola, a southern African nation, is preparing to mark 50 years of independence in 2025. The current government, led by President João Lourenço of the MPLA party since 2017, has dominated the country's political landscape since its liberation from Portugal in 1974. However, the road to independence was marked by a lengthy civil conflict and a Cold War proxy conflict among former allies.
The colonial war ended in 1974 with Portugal's Carnation Revolution, leading to Angola's independence in 1975. However, a civil conflict, fueled by Cold War influences, raged for nearly three decades until 2002. This left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Antonio Neto, a local resident, remembers this period vividly. He was forcibly conscripted just before his 17th birthday, mere months before the country's independence.
The MPLA, which has ruled Angola since independence, dominates all aspects of the government. The president controls state institutions, including the constitutional court, and fear prevails among the population. Despite this, independence holds significant meaning for many Angolans like Antonio Neto. His uncles fought against the Portuguese in the colonial war, and the date of independence was set following an agreement between Angola’s three rival liberation armies.
As Angola approaches its 50th independence anniversary, it reflects on a complex history marked by conflict and domination. Despite challenges, the country looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone, with many Angolans, like Antonio Neto, cherishing the independence their ancestors fought for.
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