Luanda, Angola – In a ceremony held Thursday in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço posthumously awarded the prestigious “Order of Merit” to former Algerian Presidents Houari Boumediene and Ahmed Ben Bella. The Order of Merit is Angola’s highest national honor.
President Lourenço, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union, presented the awards in recognition of the two leaders’ profound and lasting contributions to Angola’s struggle for independence and its subsequent reconstruction.
The late Presidents Boumediene and Ben Bella were instrumental in providing significant support to Angolan liberation movements during their fight against colonial rule. Their commitment to pan-Africanism and solidarity with liberation movements across the continent solidified Algeria’s role as a key ally of Angola.
“This honor is a testament to the enduring friendship between Angola and Algeria,” stated a government official present at the ceremony. “The sacrifices made by the Algerian people, under the leadership of Presidents Boumediene and Ben Bella, will never be forgotten.”
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Angolan government officials, as well as representatives from the Algerian embassy. The awarding of the Order of Merit serves as a powerful reminder of the shared history and strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. It underscores the importance of continued cooperation and mutual respect in addressing contemporary challenges facing the African continent. This event highlights the deep historical bonds between Algeria and Angola, forged in the crucible of anti-colonial struggle.
The posthumous awards are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between Algeria and Angola in various fields, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.
