Angola celebrates independence, reaffirms commitment to unity, peace, development

Nov. 11 holds a special place in Angola’s history. It marks the achievement of freedom, sovereignty and the right of a people to determine their own destiny. On this day in 1975, Angola proclaimed its national independence, bringing an end to a long period of colonial rule and beginning a new chapter in its history as a sovereign nation. Independence was achieved through years of resistance, sacrifice and struggle by thousands of Angolans who believed in a free and independent country capable of shaping its own future. Driven by patriotism and a shared aspiration for freedom, men and women contributed to the historic journey that culminated in the proclamation of independence on Nov. 11, 1975, by Angola’s first president, António Agostinho Neto. The years that followed were profoundly affected by armed conflict, which continued until 2002. The loss of human lives, displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure and disruption of agricultural production and education left lasting consequences. Reconstruction required not only the rebuilding of roads, schools and hospitals