By Mercy Peter
The Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Nigeria, His Excellency José Bamaquina Zau, has praised the long-standing brotherhood and mutual respect between Angola and Nigeria, describing the relationship as one founded on solidarity, shared struggles, and a deep sense of African unity.
Speaking at an event in Abuja to commemorate Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the envoy paid tribute to Nigeria’s role in promoting peace and stability in Africa, especially during Angola’s civil war and post-conflict reconstruction years.
“Nigeria has always stood by Angola in times of conflict, in peacebuilding, and in our continued development journey. Our friendship is historic and unshakable,” Ambassador Zau said.
He also acknowledged his predecessor, Ambassador Eustaquio Januario Quibato, for laying the groundwork for closer diplomatic and cultural ties between both nations, while reaffirming Angola’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria in trade, investment, security, and regional integration.
In a deeply emotional address, a retired Nigerian military officer and former United Nations Military Observer who served in Angola during the country’s turbulent 1990s shared personal memories of solidarity, resilience, and hope.
He began his remarks by expressing gratitude to both Ambassador Zau and former Ambassador Quibato for their warmth and respect toward him and Nigeria as a whole.
“Firstly, can I give praise to the immediate past Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria, His Excellency Am Eustaquio Januario Quibato, who actually initiated my lasting relationship with this embassy and made me an honorary friend,” he said.
“I must also further appreciate His Excellency, the present ambassador, Amb. José Bamaquina Zau, who gives me more respect than I deserve, even from his position as representative of the President of Angola and its great people, while I am just an ordinary humble Nigerian.”
He went on to honour senior compatriots and dignitaries who spoke earlier, describing them as “iconic personalities whose reputations transcend the borders of our dear Nigeria, the continent, and global diplomatic, military, academic, human rights, and governance circles.”
Reflecting on his service under the United Nations Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III) in 1995, the officer recalled the horrors and hopes of Angola’s civil war, which ravaged the country between 1975 and 2002.
“Then, as a young major, my thoughts like any average youthful soldier were to go dodge bullets and bombs wearing a blue beret to assure victims of war that the world cares,” he recalled.
He recounted how the UN mission was tasked with supervising the Lusaka Protocol, overseeing disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR), and facilitating national reconciliation and the resettlement of displaced persons.
Despite the immense destruction and human suffering, he spoke fondly of the Angolan people, describing them as resilient, proud, and hopeful.
“Angola was a nation of hopeful people, happy in spite of the mass destruction, deaths, hunger, and danger of mines and criminal gangs that preyed on their traumas. A people united around Funji, Fuba, and the melodious music of Kizomba.
One ingredient I found among all shades of the Angolan people was a gentle resilient spirit of calm, valour, pride, and dogged hope for the future,” he said.
The retired peacekeeper outlined Angola’s remarkable transformation from a war-torn country into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
“For a nation with such a history of devastating war, Angola today is a proud and effective regional pillar for peace, stability, and infrastructural development,” he said.
He highlighted the country’s post-war progress from rapid GDP growth and major reconstruction projects to new infrastructure such as the modern Luanda International Airport and the Lobito Corridor, a regional transport and trade initiative supported by global partners.
“Last year when I transited to Lagos via Luanda on the national carrier TAAG, I saw a huge airport far different from the UN dominated Luanda Airport of old. A new, trendy airport matchable to any in the world,” he observed.
Once a nation engulfed by war, Angola now serves as a stabilizing force across Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region.
The speaker lauded the country’s mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo Rwanda conflict and its leadership in the Luanda Process, describing them as evidence of Angola’s commitment to peace.
“As a victim of war and conflict itself, Angola has actively sought to position itself as a key mediator and force for stability in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region,” he said.
“My memories of Angola and its beautiful people are unequenchable, and I will always remember Angola no meu coração! (Angola in my heart),” he declared, to applause.
“Viva Nigeria! Viva the great nation of Angola on your 50th Independence Anniversary!”
Angola gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.
Despite enduring nearly three decades of civil war, Angola has rebuilt itself into one of Africa’s leading oil producers and a growing hub of trade and diplomacy.
As it celebrates 50 years of sovereignty, Angola stands as a symbol of resilience, reconciliation, and renewal and as a steadfast friend of Nigeria in the march toward a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
