Angloan Minister of National Defence, General (Retired) Lúcio Gonçalves Amaral and Ambassador Pavelyn Musaka
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Angola has applauded the vision behind the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, with its Minister of National Defence, General (Retired) Lúcio Gonçalves Amaral, expressing admiration for the brains behind the massive project and its role in preserving Africa’s liberation history.
Minister Amaral made the remarks after touring the Museum of African Liberation on Tuesday, where he expressed his admiration for the vision behind the massive project, which is being developed by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) as part of the Liberation City Project.
He said he was impressed by the idea of establishing a museum that would preserve the history and sacrifices of those who fought for the continent’s independence.
“After conducting this visit, I’m so impressed and I’m also happy to know that there was a person who conceived such a project – this massive project.
“This project is going to preserve the memory of those who gave their lives in order for our countries to be free,” said Minister Amaral.
He said that Angola was committed to contributing to the Museum by sharing its liberation history and its role in supporting the independence of other African countries.
The Minister added that Angola would also showcase the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which played a crucial role in the liberation of Southern Africa.
“The Museum is for African Liberation and as Angola, we also have a section here. It means that we are going to contribute by sharing our history of our liberation struggle, and we will also showcase the way Angola contributed to the freedom of other countries that were not yet independent,.
“We will also talk about the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, of course, because as you know, the battle played a very crucial role in terms of freeing the Southern Africa region.”
Minister Amaral with Zimbabwe Deputy Minister of Defence Brig-Gen Levi Mayihlome
Minister Amaral said Angola was ready to strengthen cooperation with other African countries through the sharing of liberation history and experiences.
He said the Museum would also play an important role in educating young people about the sacrifices made to achieve independence, urging them to work hard towards developing their countries.
“The youth have to work hard and be resilient to continue developing the country,” he said.
Minister Amaral toured the Museum in the company of Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome, Angola’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Baltazar Diogo Cristóvão, and other officials from the two countries.
The Museum of African Liberation is being developed to preserve and promote Africa’s independence history in a modern and engaging manner, with sections dedicated to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the wider African continent.
It also captures the contributions of countries and organisations that supported Africa’s liberation struggles, including those that gained independence without taking up arms.
The Museum is scheduled to be officially opened in 2027 as part of the African Union Mid-Year Summit, which Zimbabwe is bidding to host.
