A mea culpa by João Lourenço was presented this Thursday when the Angolan people remembered the events of May 27, 1977. In fact, 44 years ago, Angola was plunged into the unspeakable civil war between the two great independence movements. These are the MPLA and Unita. In power at the time, MPLA chairman Agostinho Neto was subjected to an attempted coup by a dissident branch of his movement

Unfortunately the attempt ended in a fiasco. On May 27, a repression followed up, claiming thousands of victims. For more than 40 years, the MPLA has managed to maintain the biggest myth around this day, nicknamed « the Purge ». Wednesday, we learn the Mea culpa of João Lourenço, the Angolan president to the victims.

A mea culpa by João Lourenço after 44 years

Still in power in Angola, it was very difficult for the MPLA to quickly recognize its responsibility for the events of May 27, 1977. It was only after forty years that it pleased the incumbent president to assume their responsibility for May 27, 1977, which is what justifies João Lourenço’s mea culpa.

« We have come humbly to offer a public apology to the victims of conflicts and to Angolans in general on behalf of the Angolan state, » said João Lourenço. We apologize for the great harm that the summary executions did at that time and under these circumstances, ”he added.

A mea culpa by João Lourenço with concrete acts

João Lourenço’s mea culpa, in his televised message was followed by promises, in short the presidential words will be followed by actions. Indeed, throughout this long period, families of the victims were never able to find out where their loved ones were buried, or even obtain a death certificate. « All of this will change, » said the Minister of Justice. “The event we are celebrating today honors the victims of May 27, so we don’t forget that date. Now we have to locate the bodies of those who died, and return them to the families, ”explained Franciso Queiros.

Carolina Ferreira is the daughter of musician David Ze. Killed in these events, his music was banned for over 10 years. For his daughter, the exhumation of the bodies is a big step. “For me that already means a lot. Our father has been missing for years ; we don’t know where he was buried and today’s decision to allow the bodies to be exhumed and returned is very important ”. Through this mea culpa by João Lourenço, a new wind will blow over Angola.

It should be noted that the first death certificates were distributed this week.