Angola Marks 50 Years of Independence, Honours Nigerian Leaders for Role in Liberation and Peace

By Iyojo Ameh

The Republic of Angola has celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary with a historic ceremony in Abuja, honouring three distinguished Nigerians, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (posthumously), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari for their outstanding contributions to the country’s liberation and post-war peace process.

Ike Nwachukwu rtd

Speaking at the event, Angola’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency José Bamóquina Zau, described the 50th anniversary as a moment of pride, reflection, and gratitude to countries and individuals who stood by Angola during its long struggle for independence and peace.

“These awards are symbolic recognition of the selfless contributions made by these Nigerian statesmen to the political emancipation and lasting peace of Angola,” Ambassador Zau said.

He explained that President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço personally conferred the medals earlier in Luanda, with Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo receiving honours in the Class of Honour, while Professor Gambari received the Peace and Development Medal for his diplomatic role as the United Nations Special Envoy for the Angolan Peace Process under former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The ambassador recalled Nigeria’s pivotal support during Angola’s anti-colonial struggle, which culminated in its independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975.

“Nigeria’s financial, moral, and political support during the liberation struggle and in the immediate post-independence years demonstrated its Pan-African brotherhood and commitment to African solidarity,” he said.

He noted that after independence, Angola endured a 27-year civil war that left millions displaced and the country littered with landmines. “Today, we celebrate not only freedom but peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction,” Zau stated, acknowledging support from the UN, World Bank, and partners in Angola’s post-war recovery.

The event also recognized retired Nigerian military officers who served in various UN peacekeeping missions in Angola, including General Ike Nwachukwu, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, Major General Chris Garuba, AVM Monday Morgan, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, and others who participated via Zoom.

Ambassador Zau commended their sacrifices, noting that “many of these officers helped monitor the peace process and the unification of the Angolan Armed Forces.”

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and Architect Fifi Ejindu, President of the Angola-Nigeria Business Council, were also acknowledged for strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nonyelum Agatha Afoekelu, Head of the Southern African Affairs Division, congratulated Angola on behalf of the Nigerian government, describing the anniversary as “a celebration of resilience and partnership.”

She highlighted that the golden jubilee coincided with the 49th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both nations, emphasizing that bilateral cooperation has continued to grow since Nigeria established its mission in Luanda in 1975.

“Our relations remain warm and cordial, guided by Nigeria’s foreign policy that places Africa at the centre of our diplomacy,” Afoekelu said.

She also lauded the resuscitation of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda in September 2025, 24 years after its last session, as a major step toward deepening trade, investment, and security cooperation.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), who served in Angola as a UN military observer in the 1990s, reflected on the transformation of Angola from a war-torn nation to a regional pillar of peace.

He recounted his experience under the United Nations Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III), which supervised the Lusaka Protocol an agreement that paved the way for national reconciliation and disarmament.

“Angola, once devastated by war, has today become a regional hub of peace and stability,” Nwachukwu said. “The spirit of resilience among its people remains unbreakable.”

He praised the Angolan government’s massive reconstruction efforts and described recent developments, including the modern Luanda International Airport and the Lobito Corridor Project, as “symbols of a nation reborn.”

Ambassador Zau reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation, particularly in trade, security, and cultural exchange.

He said both nations are working on 29 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, including visa exemptions and business partnerships to boost commerce between Luanda and Lagos.

“We are committed to ensuring that investors from both countries can move freely and build lasting prosperity,” he concluded.

The event, themed “Pieces of Angola’s History Told by the Protagonists,” brought together diplomats, scholars, business leaders, and veterans to celebrate half a century of independence and friendship between Angola and Nigeria.