The President of Angola has extended from five to seven days the period of national mourning for the death of former Angolan head of state José Eduardo dos Santos, through a new decree, amending the one published earlier this afternoon.

"Taking into account the procedures associated with the physical passing of the former President of the Republic of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos," and "there being a need to extend the period of national mourning initially declared in order to ensure that the tributes due to his figure, his work, his achievements and his legacy take place in a significant period," the current head of state, João Lourenço, increased the period of national mourning.

Thus, the national mourning "lasts for seven days" and begins at 00:00 on July 9, the new decree reads.

The President of Angola had decreed five days of national mourning, starting also on Saturday, for the death of his predecessor, José Eduardo dos Santos, at 79 years of age.

According to the decree, national mourning begins at 00:00 on Saturday, July 9, just as it does now, during which time the national flag will be placed at half-mast and all public performances and demonstrations will be canceled.

In the decree, the Angolan head of state justified the tribute with the fact that former president José Eduardo dos Santos was "an unparalleled figure of the Angolan Homeland, to which he dedicated himself from very early on, having had relevant participation in the fight against colonization, in the conquest of National Independence, in the consolidation of the Angolan Nation, in its affirmation in the context of Nations, in the conquest of peace and national reconstruction and reconciliation.

The national mourning is therefore intended to "pay a fitting tribute to his figure, his work, his achievements and his legacy," according to the first presidential decree.

In a statement, the Angolan executive presents "deepest condolences" to the family and appeals "to the serenity of all in this moment of pain and consternation.

José Eduardo dos Santos succeeded Agostinho Neto as President of Angola in 1979 and left office in 2017, serving one of the longest presidencies in the world, and was regularly accused by international organizations of corruption and nepotism.

In 2017, he resigned to run again and the current President, João Lourenço, succeeded him in office, having also been elected by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has ruled in the country since independence from Portugal in 1975.

Source: Lusa