Angolan government regrets death of José Eduardo dos Santos

 Luanda - Angola Executive has expressed sorrow at the death of the former President of Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos, occurred in Spain, victim of illness.

In an official statement addressed to the nation, the government expressed its "greatest respect and consideration" for the figure of a statesman of great historical importance, who ruled for many years with "clear-sightedness and humanism" the fate of the nation in difficult times.

The Executive presents to the bereaved family its deepest condolences and appeals to all for the serenity in this moment of pain and consternation.

Profile

José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of the First President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.

He served as President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.

In addition to being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the ruling MPLA party, the political organization that has ruled the country since the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.

His political record also includes the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other functions in the State and in the MPLA.

He led the process that culminated in the signing of the Peace Accords on 4 April, 2002, following the death of the then founding leader of UNITA, Jonas Savimbi.

Angolan government declares five-day national mourning

 Luanda - Angolan government decreed Friday a five-day national mourning following the death of the former President of the Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos.

The information is expressed in the Presidential Decree, reached ANGOP Friday, stating that the move is meant to properly pay tribute to his figure,  work,  deeds and legacy at the service of the Angolan Nation.

The decree recalls the former President as a unique figure of the Angolan homeland, to which he dedicated himself from a very early age.

José Eduardo dos Santos had a relevant participation in the fight against colonisation, in the conquest of National Independence, in the consolidation of the Nation, in its affirmation in the context of the Nations, in the achievement of peace and national reconstruction and reconciliation, added the decree.

It stressed that during the period of the national mourning, which will begin at 0:00 on July 9th, the National Flag shall be flown at half-mast and all shows and public demonstrations be canceled.

Profile

José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of the First President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.

He served as President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.

In addition to being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the ruling MPLA party, the political organization that has ruled the country since the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.

His political record also includes the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other functions in the State and in the MPLA.

He led the process that culminated in the signing of the Peace Accords on 4 April, 2002, following the death of the then founding leader of UNITA, Jonas Savimbi.

Former president José Eduardo dos Santos dies

 Luanda – The former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos died Friday (July 8th) of illness in Barcelona, Spain.

The news was confirmed by the Angolan Government, which reports that the death was confirmed at 11 am by the medical team.

José Eduardo dos Santos, 79, returned to Barcelona at the beginning of March this year to continue his medical treatment, which started in 2019.

The information was confirmed through a short message from the President of Angola, João Lourenço, published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.

Profile

José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of the First President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.

He served as President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.

In addition to being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the ruling MPLA party, the political organization that has ruled the country since the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.

His political record also includes the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other functions in the State and in the MPLA.

He led the process that culminated in the signing of the Peace Accords on 4 April, 2002, following the death of the then founding leader of UNITA, Jonas Savimbi.

Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Shot during speech

Paramedics report "no vital signs" as they rushed the former leader to the hospital

THIS JUST IN – Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot at on Friday in Nara while campaigning for the upcoming election, said a Reuters report quoting the government spokesperson. The 67-year-old ex-world leader is showing no vital signs after being rushed to hospital, said news agency AFP quoting Japanese media.

A 41-year-old man Tetsuya Yamagami, believed to be a resident of Nara City, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for shooting at Shinzo Abe, reported Japanese media house NHK quoting police sources. It added that Abe was likely hit from behind by shotgun fire.

“Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo collapsed during a speech in the city of Nara, in western Japan. Initial reports say he may have been injured. An NHK reporter on site heard something that sounded like a gunshot, and saw Abe bleeding,” the agency said in an alert.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, addressing the media on Friday morning, said that he did not know of Abe’s current condition. “Such an act of barbarity cannot be tolerated,” he said. Meanwhile, Nara city fire department said that Abe was in cardiopulmonary arrest before he was taken to the hospital.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 am (8.30 am IST). Abe was making a campaign speech on a street outside the train station ahead of Sunday’s election.

An NHK reporter on the scene said two consecutive bangs were heard during Abe’s speech. His security personnel were seen rushing to his aid in videos and pictures captured.

Abe has been hit towards the left of his chest as multiple shots were fired by the attacker, reported Reuters, quoting TBS. One appears to have hit the former PM in the neck.

Reactions

Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, widely considered Abe’s protege, has suspended his election campaign after Abe’s shooting and was returning to Tokyo, media reported.

US ambassador Rahm Emanuel said America is “saddened and shocked” by the shooting.

“Abe has been an outstanding leader of Japan and an unwavering ally of the United States,” Emanuel said in a statement. “The US government and the American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and the people of Japan.”

Hailing from a political family, Abe made news as the longest-serving PM by consecutive days in office before he announced his decision to step down in 2020 after a chronic illness resurfaced. He shared a close relationship with India, visiting the country in 2006, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

……………………………………………………