By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 11, 2023 – Today is Independence Day in Angola, also known as National Heroes Day, commemorating the country’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule after years of struggle and resistance against colonial forces.
In recognition of this significant holiday in that African country, United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today released the following statement: “On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Angola a heartfelt congratulations on the 48th anniversary of your independence.
“I am appreciative of the ways that the United States and Angola have expanded our partnership, especially in the past year. From the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, to increased security cooperation, to the ways that U.S. companies are finding success in Angola, the U.S.-Angola relationship is strong and growing. We look forward to continuing to work with the Angolan people on regional stability, shared prosperity, and combatting corruption.
“I applaud our shared commitment to peace, security, and the principles of the UN charter, and I wish the best for the people of Angola as you celebrate this day.”
Located on the western coast of Southern Africa, Angola is a former Portuguese colony that gained its independence on November 11, 1975, after years of struggle and resistance against colonial forces.
According to information gleaned from the Internet, in the early 1960s, several nationalist movements emerged in Angola, seeking independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The three main movements were the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), and the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA).
The struggle for independence escalated into armed conflict as the independence movements fought against Portuguese forces. The MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA (formed later) were the major players in the conflict. The struggle was not only against Portuguese colonialism but also involved internal conflicts among the nationalist groups.
The Angolan War of Independence attracted international attention and involvement. Cold War dynamics influenced the conflict, with the MPLA receiving support from the Soviet Union and Cuba, the FNLA receiving support from the United States, and later UNITA receiving support from South Africa.
When Angola officially declared its independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, The MPLA, led by Agostinho Neto, took control of the government and Angola became a socialist-oriented state.
Despite achieving independence, Angola faced internal challenges, including a power struggle among the liberation movements. This led to a devastating civil war that lasted until 2002. The conflict involved various factions, including the MPLA, UNITA, and other smaller groups.
While the country faced significant challenges in the post-independence period, including the prolonged civil war, November 11 remains a pivotal date in Angola’s history, symbolizing the nation’s journey to sovereignty and self-determination.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Angola is slightly larger than South Africa and roughly twice as large as Texas. It shares borders with several countries: Namibia to the south, Zambia to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the northeast, and the Republic of Congo to the north. The Atlantic Ocean, providing a 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) coastline, shapes the country’s western edge. The province of Cabinda, located to the north of the main country, is separated from the rest of Angola by a strip of land belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
SOURCE: Encyclopædia Britannica
