Vice-president Esperança da Costa argued that peace and reconciliation represent the meaning of the historical stages that united thousands of Angolans imbued with a sense of patriotism.
“But we need to walk together in building stability and the commitment to make a positive contribution to peace, to make the country great, strengthening respect for citizenship and pride in the deeds of our heroes,” said the governor.
In a speech at the celebrations of the 23rd anniversary of the Day of Peace and National Reconciliation, which took place this Friday in the new province of Moxico Leste, Esperança da Costa said that the peace achieved in two decades must be consolidated every day.
The consolidation of peace must happen in homes, in villages, in communes, “but also in every political, economic and social action, so that our country may be for all Angolans a haven of social justice, harmony and development where every Angolan can dream, achieve their goals and be happy”, he said.
“The Angola we all want depends on each one of us,” said the governor, noting that April 4 is a tribute to those who, with courage and determination, sacrificed their lives, families and dreams for a sovereign and peaceful Angola.
According to Esperança da Costa, the gains of peace in Angola are evident and are reflected in the most varied fields, namely in the development of human capital, education, technical and professional training, health, roads and infrastructure.
To increase school enrollment rates at all levels and throughout the national territory, the Angolan executive “continues to invest in school infrastructure to expand the school network, so that more Angolans have access to the education and teaching system,” he said.
The Vice-President also praised the “gains” in the health sector, currently comprising 3,346 units, including reference hospitals and medical posts, “which resulted in an increase of 4,899 hospital beds in the National Health Service”, she stressed.
He also pointed out that as a result of “high investments” made in proximity services and access to primary health care, the country recorded a “reduction in maternal and child mortality and the transformation of the National Health Service”.
To guarantee food security, Esperança da Costa reported that the National Food Security Strategy was approved, which “prioritizes” the transformation of current production systems, sustainably and diversifying the supply of agricultural, livestock, forestry and fishing products.
The country will have three agri-food laboratories in the provinces of Zaire, Namibe and Moxico, aiming to achieve universal coverage and develop the health network, he noted.
“Peace and stability create suitable conditions for development, well-being and harmony among Angolans, which is why we highlight the crucial role of women in promoting and maintaining peace at all times,” she said.
For a more prosperous Angola, “we will continue to invest in women, we will give them greater access to land, credit and markets and continue to combat all forms of discrimination”, concluded Esperança da Costa. The celebrations of April 4, 2025, a national holiday, will take place under the motto “Angola 50 Years: Preserving and Valuing the Achievements Achieved, Building a Better Future”.
