Catholic Church in Angola Hails National Reconciliation Congress as a Moment of Hope and “renewed commitment”

Luanda, 13 November, 2025 / 2:04 AM

The Executive Secretary of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) has described the recent National Reconciliation Congress as a “historic moment of hope and renewed commitment” by Angolans to peace and national unity.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Wednesday, November 12, following the November 6–9 event, which formed part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence, Fr. Celestino Epalanga said the gathering reflected the country’s determination to heal the wounds of its past.

“We are deeply grateful to God for the success achieved, for the strong participation of all sectors of society, and for the spirit of unity that guided the congress. It was a moment of hope and reaffirmation of our shared commitment to national unity,” Fr. Epalanga told ACI Africa.

He expressed appreciation to civil and religious authorities who supported the initiative, especially CEAST and all Dioceses of Angola, noting that the meeting brought together representatives of political parties, professional associations, academic institutions, and faith communities.

The congress featured prominent speakers such as Isaías Samakuva of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and Higino Carneiro of Angola’s ruling party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), both former combatants who shared reflections on forgiveness and dialogue as foundations for lasting peace. 

Their interventions, Fr. Epalanga said, “helped build bridges between generations and fostered an honest conversation about Angola’s past and future.”

Other contributors included Luís Jimbo, Executive Director of the Angolan Institute for Electoral Systems and Democracy (IASED), who noted that transparent elections are “vital for consolidating reconciliation,” and Onofre dos Santos, former judge of the Constitutional Court, whose testimony of humility and self-critique “transformed the congress into a true space of reconciliation.”

Fr. Epalanga also highlighted the essential role of churches of various denominations, including Catholic, Evangelical, and Anglican communities, in promoting trust and dialogue.

“The churches showed that peacebuilding is not the task of government alone. It is the moral duty of all citizens,” he said.

Organized by CEAST through its Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission, the congress sought to strengthen Angola’s collective commitment to reconciliation. 

Fr. Epalanga praised President João Lourenço for his “personal engagement” in the process and for initiatives like CIVICOP, the Inter-institutional Commission for Peace and Citizenship, which promotes civic participation and coexistence.

Although logistical constraints prevented some preparatory activities, Fr. Epalanga said the congress achieved its purpose by “bringing together diverse voices to reflect, forgive, and renew commitment to building a peaceful Angola.”

“Reconciliation does not end with this congress. Every citizen and institution must continue working so that its fruits become a reality in our daily lives,” the Angolan member of the Society of Jesus (SJ/Jesuits) said.

He emphasized that reconciliation is a continuous process, requiring education for peace, inclusion of youth and women, and cultural initiatives that promote memory, tolerance, and justice.

“This congress is not an end—it is a new beginning. Our unity and peace depend on everyone’s ongoing commitment,” Fr. Epalanga said.