Luanda – Angolan authorities highlighted Monday the “unquestionable" political and historical relevance of March 23, in face of the event’s transcendental influence towards the total liberation of Southern Africa.
In a celebrative message on the Liberation Day of Southern Africa, to be marked on March 23 – in reference to the historic battle fought in southern Angola in the late 1980’s - Angola’s Ministry of National Defence and Homeland Veterans states that the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was an essential event in the liberation process of the region against the Apartheid racial segregation regime.
The message adds that the "sacrifice of many of the best children of the Angolan people, their audacity, sagacity and, above all, patriotic and invincible spirit contributed to the defeat of Apartheid, bringing it to the table for talks towards a more rational solution to the conflict”.
It adds that the victory of Angolans over the then South African racist army provided conditions for the talks that resulted in the independence of Namibia, on March 21, 1990, the release of Nelson Mandela and the end of Apartheid, thus rekindling the hope for peace and stability in the region.
For this fact, a tribute is paid to all member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their strategic vision of having unanimously adopted March 23 as the Day of the Liberation of Southern Africa.
"With this deliberation, they paid homage to the brave Angolan fighters who, with courage and determination, faced the Apartheid war machine at the time," reads the note.
The date has become a catalyzing force of brotherhood and solidarity among peoples, united by fraternal ties of consanguinity, in solidarity for the defence of the same causes, including resistance to colonial penetration, racial segregation, and oppression, stresses the message.
This year’s celebration, which started on March 21, takes place under the slogan "Honour and Glory to the Memory of the Liberators of Southern Africa".
