Angola’s 49th National Day Celebration

Theme: National Unity, Production, and Sustainable Development

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 12 November 2024 – H.E. Ambassador Maria Isabel Resende Encoge proudly hosted a animated reception to celebrate the 49th Anniversary of the National Independence of the Republic of Angola. This event showcased Angola’s unparalleled artistic talent, a hallmark of the National Day celebrations. Attendees were treated to an engaging video that highlighted Angola’s recent developments, and the esteemed saxophonist, affectionately called Nanutu, delivered powerful performances of both the Angolan and Dutch national anthems, which received enthusiastic applause from the guests.

H. E. Ambassador Jelte van Wieren, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, recognized Angola’s 49th National Day and paid tribute to the national hero Nzinga for her exceptional courage and determination.

H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Ms. Ramatoulaye Ba Epse Faye, Ambassador of Senegal, Hon Halima Yussuf Mucheke, Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. Ms. Caroline Chipeta Kitana, Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Mr. Diarrassouba Mifougo Youssouf, Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire, H.E. Ms. Maria Isabel Resende Encoge, Ambassador of Angola, H.E. Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi, Ms. Omaima Alsharief, Charge d’affaires of the Sudan and H. E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria.

In a commanding speech, Ambassador Maria Isabel de Resende Encoge emphasized the significance of Angola’s independence. “The proclamation of the Republic of Angola’s independence occurred during a critical juncture marked by the Cold War and considerable regional instability. This backdrop honed Angolan diplomacy, firmly establishing our commitment to respect and equity among nations, peaceful conflict resolution, global cooperation, progress, and social justice. Angola assumed the vital role of solidifying its sovereignty and demonstrating its leadership on the international stage.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Ms. Maria Isabel Resende Encoge, Ambassador of Angola, H.E. Ms. Maria Clara Nunes, Ambassador of Portugal and spouse H.E. Mr. Zacarias da Costa, Ambassador of Angola to the CPLP in Portugal.

Today, as we celebrate Angola’s Independence Day, we also honor the Day of the Angolan Diplomat, commemorating the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Decree-Law No. 1/75. This pivotal moment empowered Angola to declare its status as an independent and sovereign state while laying the foundation for its foreign policy.

Under the decisive leadership of H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic, Angola stands resolute in its dedication to strengthening democratic governance, fostering a dynamic, effective, and inclusive market economy, promoting ethical standards within our society, ensuring good governance, and vigorously combating corruption.”