afrol News / A Semana, 11 November - Angola marks the 30th anniversary of its independence today, 11 November. The date is a special one for Angolans, who, for the first time since 1961, are undergoing a period of relative peace and economic stability. Several Heads of State participate in the celebration.

Never before has Angola experienced such optimism as this year. The coming year will be equally important for Angola, as free, democratic elections will be held for the second time in the nation's history. The elections have been delayed several times, but the Luanda government has now decided on next year.

Angola' President José Eduardo dos Santos today in Luanda reconfirmed that elections were to be held in 2006. The President in a speech further stated that material and constitutional conditions to hold election were now being put in place. Angola could now "be proud" of its achievements towards democracy and freedom of expression President dos Santos added.

The independence celebrations have attracted several Heads of State and other foreign representatives. Cape Verdean President Pedro Pires is one of the many state leaders to have travelled to Luanda to participate in the festivities.

President Pires, who arrived yesterday in Luanda, spoke of "the traditional ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that unite Cape Verde and Angola." The Cape Verdean President will take advantage of his visit to meet with the Cape Verdean community residing in Angola as well. The meeting will be "an opportunity to publicly recognize the laudable contribution our fellow citizens has made to the promotion and affirmation of the Angolan Cape Verdean community's cultural identity," according to communiqué issued by the Cape Verdean President's office.

A number of heads of state, including Portugal's Jorge Sampaio, Congo Kinshasa's Joseph Kabila, Mozambique's Armando Guebuza, Guinea-Bissau's João Bernardo "Nino" Vieira, São Tomé and Príncipe's Fradique de Menezes, Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema and East Timor's Xanana Gusmão, have also arrived in Luanda for the ceremony commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the proclamation of Angola's independence.

By A Semana & afrol News staff writers

© afrol News / A Semana

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories