Bailundo – The status of traditional power in Angola, its rights and duties, is being analysed since Tuesday in Huambo Province by the Kings and traditional chiefs of the country, during the first extraordinary national stocktaking meeting of the National Association of Traditional Sovereignty of Angola (ANSTA).
The event, which is being held under the slogan "Strengthening Angola's traditional sovereignty" and is due to end on Thursday (5), was promoted by ANSTA and is taking place at Ombala Yo Mbalundu (Palace of the Bailundo Kingdom), in the municipality of Bailundo, 75 kilometres north of Huambo Province.
With this meeting, ANSTA intends to analyse the association's activities over the last two years and draw up a guiding document on the rights and duties of the country's traditional authorities, which should be presented at the 4th national meeting on culture to be held this year in Luanda Province.
The Kings from Bailundo, Tchongolola Tchongonga, from Huambo, Artur Moço, from Tchiaka, Evaristo París, from the Lunda area, Muatchissengue Watembo, from Cuando Cubango, Muene Menongue, from Porto Amboim, Ngana Lunga IX, from Lutchase, Costa Mweni Chivueka IV and from Kongo, Ntinu Ndoma Nkosi, stand out among the sovereigns present at the meeting.
Speaking to the press, the president of ANSTA, Miguel Matias Filipe, said that the meeting will plan the future works of the association and the methods of resolving everyday difficulties, with a view to enabling them to consolidate better in society.
The traditional chiefs of Seles, Cuanza Sul Province, emphasised the good relations between the traditional authorities and the Angolan government, which has taken on board the suggestions and recommendations of ANSTA members for the common welfare.
The Bailundo King, Tchongolola Tchongonga, revealed that the event is also focused to establish the statute of traditional power in Angola and its asymmetries, adding that the approval of this statute, which is intended to as soon as possible give greater dignity and value to traditional power.
Representing the provincial governor of Huambo, Lotti Nolika, the administrator of the municipality of Bailundo, Irineu Cândido Sacaála, recognised the contribution of the traditional authorities in the communities, especially in matters linked to the preservation of Angolan tradition and culture.
According to him, traditional authorities in the communities have the task as judges and priests, mainly for resolution of conflicts related to land, witchcraft and other matters working in partnership with the Angolan government.
He called for greater unity with the country's government, which is committed to promoting inclusive and respectful policies based on dialogue and the determination of the country's communities.
In this way, before the beginning of the working sessions, the traditional authorities visited the Halavala satellite city, the Bailundo municipal administration, the "Cidade Jovens de Sucesso" technical-vocational training centre and the photovoltaic plant.
ANSTA was founded on 20 May 2022 and its main objective is to unite traditional authorities, revive Angolan culture, preserve tradition and strengthen its members' partnership with the Angolan state.
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