On the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the beginning of Angola’s Armed Struggle for National Liberation, commemorated every year on February 4, the ambassador of the African nation, Balbina Malheiros Dias da Silva, issued the following statement to her compatriots:
Today we celebrate one of the most emblematic dates in our history: February 4, 1961. It was on this day that a group of Angolan patriots, driven by a profound sense of justice and dignity, decided to confront the colonial system. With simple means, but with extraordinary courage, they attacked the prisons of Luanda to free the political prisoners. This heroic act marked the beginning of the Armed Struggle for National Liberation and affirmed before the world the inalienable right of the Angolan people to freedom and self-determination.
Sixty-five years later, in 2026, we continue to honor this legacy with respect and responsibility. February 4th is not just a date on the calendar: it is a symbol of resistance, unity, and the determination that forged our national identity and paved the way for Independence, proclaimed on November 11, 1975. Remembering February 4th is to revisit the spirit that inspired the struggle. It is to understand the sacrifices that made the construction of a sovereign Angola possible. And above all, it is to reaffirm the importance of transmitting to new generations the moral and historical heritage that sustains our nation.
This year, the province of Cabinda hosts the central event of the commemorations for this 65th anniversary. The choice of Cabinda, a territory of great historical and symbolic significance, reinforces the Executive’s commitment to national cohesion and to promoting all regions of the country. The celebrations are taking place under the motto: “Preserving the Values of the Homeland, Let Us Honor Our Heroes.”
This motto reminds us that historical memory is not just an exercise in remembrance; it is a commitment, a responsibility, and a duty toward those who gave everything for Angola’s freedom.
The 2026 commemorations are taking place in a challenging global context. The Angolan government has reaffirmed its commitment to macroeconomic stability, economic diversification, and improving the living conditions of families. Programs such as Kwenda (Social Cash Transfer Program), PIIM, and initiatives supporting school meals continue to play an essential role in promoting social inclusion and protecting the most vulnerable populations.
Dear compatriots: As we commemorate the 65th anniversary of February 4th, we pay tribute to the heroes who, with courage and sacrifice, paved the way for freedom. May his example continue to inspire every Angolan—both within and outside the country—to contribute, with patriotism and civic responsibility, to harmonious development, social justice, and the consolidation of peace.
May the spirit of February 4th remain a beacon of our national identity, a guide to our determination to preserve the values of our homeland, and an inspiration for each of us to build, day by day, the future we desire for Angola.
