In Lisbon, the heads of state of Portuguese-speaking African countries were present at the official ceremonies, celebrations from which the questions raised by the Portuguese president about the compensation to be paid by his country for the crimes of the colonial era were not completely absent.
Published to: 04/26/2024 – 15:12
2 min
The possible reparation of the costs associated with Portuguese colonialism, defended by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was absent from the speeches of the heads of State and Government of Portuguese-speaking African countries, in an evocative session in Lisbon. Only Filipe Nyusi highlighted in stronger words the legacy of violence in his country, with the Moeda and Wiriamu massacres.
“These acts, never attributed to the Portuguese people, are inexcusable, as they dishonor our history and deserve vigorous and perpetual condemnation. It is time to face historical facts squarely, without dishonest revisionism, but with honesty, justice and responsibility“, said the Mozambican President.
Like all other Portuguese-speaking African presidents, Nyusi welcomed the April Revolution and highlighted the strong friendly relations between Portugal and its former colonies. João Lourenço, president of Angola, argued that the main challenge for these countries is democratic and economic consolidation.
“The challenge today is to consolidate democracy, diversify and strengthen our economies, increase the supply of goods and services, increase exports and increase the supply of jobs to reduce unemployment.“, warned João Lourenço.
In the remaining speeches, the president of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, said that there is reason for pride and comfort. On the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April, Umaro Embaló evoked the convergence between the April Revolution and the national liberation struggles of Guinea-Bissau.
Basically, the central phrase was uttered by Carlos Vila Nova, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe:
“With the 25th of April, Portugal placed itself on the right side of History“, concluded the São Tomé native.
