The Angolan President, General João Lourenço, in full agreement with the President of the MPLA (General João Lourenço) and with the holder of the Executive Power (General João Lourenço) anticipated that 2023 will be marked by “major challenges”, which will require “more work and unity of action”, but he was confident that it would be possible to “overcome the current “difficult moment” without any big surprises”. He didn’t discover gunpowder but, of course, he’s on the verge of discovering the sea route to… Huambo.
Nhis message to the country (which Folha 8 transcribes here “ipsis verbis” to the delight of its communication advisors) at the end of the year, general João Lourenço stressed that the world is experiencing a moment of unprecedented uncertainty in the history of recent 70 years, so 2023 appears to be “a year of great challenges” for Angola as well.
“The situation will demand from each one of us more dedication to work, more unity of action to counteract the negative trend of the world economy. We have faith that with hard work, realism and optimism, we will be able to overcome the difficult moment the world is experiencing without major upheavals”, she pointed out. Of course, the MPLA is capable of anything and everything, be it planting cabbages with the roots facing upwards or teaching Angolans to live without… eating.
The head of state, re-elected by his branches the National Electoral Commission and Constitutional Court (not by the Angolans) for a second term in August, stressed that the country opted “democratically for the continuity of a project of Nation that has been deserving the trust of the majority Angolans and the international community”.
“I believe that, together, we can continue to consolidate the democratic rule of law and build an inclusive society, of free expression, with equal rights and opportunities for justice and social solidarity”, he said, committing himself (and all, namely the 20 million of poor people, they have known what that means for 47 years) to continue working “with all the commitment and determination” in creating the conditions to guarantee harmonious development in the country, through effective policies and structuring works to capture the interest of investors national and foreign, in the diversification of the economy, in the creation of jobs, taking advantage of the enormous potential that the country offers”, he said.
General João Lourenço reaffirmed his intention to invest “increasingly” in education and health, “because only an educated and healthy people can successfully compete and overcome the enormous challenges that the world imposes at all levels”. Maybe that’s why, 47 years following independence, many of the schools in the real country don’t even have desks.
“In this festive season, we renew hope for a better life and prioritize our attention to the most vulnerable in our society, children, the elderly, the sick and the poorest” underlined João Lourenço.
“It is to them and to them that I address, in the first place, my wishes that they may find the solidarity of their neighbors and society in general. We also want to express our appreciation to all those who put their duties above their personal interests and who guarantee the collective security of people and goods”, he added.
For all the patients, who are bedridden in hospitals (when they have access to them) or at home (when they have a home), the head of state expressed his solidarity, as well as the prisoners who are serving their sentences.
Let us then see in full, “ipsis verbis”, Sic (just choose…) the poetic and messianic message to the Nation of the President of the “dear leader” of the kingdom, General João Lourenço:
« Dear Compatriots
It is with a renewed sense of hope and belief in the future that I wish all Angolans residing in the country and in the diaspora, a Festive Court in peace, harmony and well-being.
This is a time to strengthen family ties and friendship, to reflect on our achievements and the challenges that lie ahead and to assess our contribution to the economic and social development of our country.
In the year just ended, all these issues were highlighted and we had the opportunity to democratically opt for the continuity of a Nation project that has earned the trust of the majority of Angolans and the international community.
I believe that together we can continue to consolidate the Democratic State of Law and build an inclusive society, of free expression, with equal rights and opportunities, justice and social solidarity.
We will continue to work with all our commitment and determination to create the conditions to guarantee the harmonious development of the country, through effective policies and structuring works to capture the interest of national and foreign investors, in the diversification of our economy, in the creation of jobs, taking advantage of the enormous potential that the country offers.
We are going to invest more and more in education and health, because only an educated and healthy people can successfully compete and overcome the enormous challenges that the world imposes on us at all levels.
On this festive season, we renew hope for a better life and prioritize our attention to the most vulnerable in our society, children, the elderly, the sick and the poorest.
It is to them and to them that I first address my wishes that they may find the solidarity of their neighbors and society in general.
We would also like to express our appreciation to all those who put their duties above their personal interests and who guarantee the collective security of people and goods.
Our solidarity also goes out to all those who are bedridden in beds hospitals or at home, for those separated from their loved ones because they are serving sentences for committing crimes, hoping that one day they can return to society.
The world is experiencing a moment of unprecedented uncertainty in the history of the last 70 years, which is why the year 2023 appears to be a year of great challenges for our country as well.
The situation will demand from each one of us more dedication to work, more unity of action to counteract the negative trend of the world economy.
We have faith that with hard work, realism and optimism, we will be able to overcome the difficult moment the world is experiencing without any major upheavals.
It is by reiterating my belief in a better future that I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”.
Note: Note the poetic perspicacity of João Lourenço when he addresses the “bedridden in hospital beds”. No bedridden… but in beds. It’s work!
Page 8 with Lusa
