Angola has reaffirmed its commitment to the Museum of African Liberation, pledging to contribute its history and experiences to the institution being developed at the Liberation City in Harare.
Angola’s Minister of National Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, General (Retired) Lúcio Gonçalves Amaral, made the commitment yesterday after touring the museum alongside Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome, Angola’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Baltazar Diogo Cristóvão and officials from both countries.
Minister Amaral said Angola would use the institution to preserve its liberation history and highlight the country’s contribution to the liberation of other African states.
“After conducting this visit, I’m so impressed and I’m also happy to know that there was a person who conceived such a project – this massive project. This project is going to preserve the memory of those who gave their lives in order for our countries to be free.
The Museum is for African Liberation and as Angola, we also have a section here. It means that we are going to contribute by sharing our history of our liberation struggle, and we will also showcase the way Angola contributed to the freedom of other countries that were not yet independent,” he said
He also the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, fought in Angola in 1987 and 1988, is regarded as a significant episode in the liberation history of Southern Africa.
“We will also talk about the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, of course, because as you know, the battle played a very crucial role in terms of freeing the Southern Africa region.
Angola, as an internationalist country, we are ready to share as well as reaffirm our position of (partnering) other countries,” he noted.
Amaral said the museum would also play an important educational role by helping young people understand the sacrifices made to secure independence.
“The youth have to work hard and be resilient to continue developing the country,” he said.
Meanwhile the museum seeks to preserve and promote Africa’s independence narrative through a modern and permanent institution, including the contributions of countries and organisations that supported liberation movements.
The Museum of African Liberation is scheduled to officially open in 2027, with Zimbabwe bidding to host the African Union Mid-Year Summit that year.
