The President of Angola, João Lourenço, decreed today five days of national mourning, starting on Saturday, for the death of his predecessor, José Eduardo dos Santos, who died today in Barcelona at the age of 79.

"A national mourning is declared to be observed throughout the national territory and at diplomatic and consular missions," a presidential decree signed today by the head of state reads.

According to the decree quoted by Lusa, the national mourning begins at 00:00 on Saturday, July 9, and lasts for five days, during which the national flag will be raised at half-mast and all public performances and demonstrations will be canceled.