Angolans Observe Heroes Day

Angolans Observe Heroes Day
February 4, 2000 


LUANDA, Angola (PANA) - Angola commemorated Friday the 39th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle against Portuguese colonialism which led to independence 11 November 1975.

Angolans used the celebration to pay homage to national heroes who launched the liberation struggle, particularly Paiva Domingos Da Silva and Francisco Imperial Santana.

On 4 February, 1961, the liberation combatants, irked by the ill-treatment Angolans were getting from the colonisers, seized rudimentary weapons, including bush-knives, to attack the Luanda colonial prison, where a number of Angolan politicians were being detained.

This was the beginning of the national liberation struggle that ended 14 years later after the proclamation of Angola's independence the country's first President, Antonio Agostinho Neto. 

This marked the end of five centuries under colonial rule.

The assault on Luanda prison and the Portuguese police barracks served as an example for similar revolts elsewhere in the country.

But the Angolans paid dearly with their lives while thousands others were imprisoned.

Shortly after the attacks, the Portuguese government sent additional soldiers, military hardware, fighter planes and helicopters in an attempt to nip off the revolt by nationalists demanding for self-determination.

Friday's celebration took place as the Angolan Armed Forces have gained an upper-hand against Jonas Savimbi's rebel UNITA movement, which has been defeated in its former strongholds in central Angola and along the country's borders.

Angolans are optimistic that after UNITA's defeat, the government will be able to concentrate its efforts on solving crucial socio-economic problems facing them. 





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