Angola honours late Nigerian leader Murtala Muhammed for his historic support for the country’s liberation during its 50th Independence anniversary

As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence, the Government of Angola, led by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has announced the conferment of a National Order of Honour on Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, GCFR.

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According to an official communication addressed to the family of the late General and signed by Ambassador José Bamoquina Zau, Angola’s Ambassador to Nigeria, the honour recognises Murtala Muhammed’s decisive leadership and Nigeria’s unwavering support for Angola’s political emancipation during one of the most critical moments in its history.

The recognition carries deep historical significance. In 1975, at a time when much of Africa was still under colonial domination, General Muhammed took a bold and historic stand by officially recognising and extending Nigeria’s diplomatic support to the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) a move that defied intense international pressure and firmly aligned Nigeria with the forces of African liberation.

Angola’s government described the honour as a gesture of gratitude for Nigeria’s instrumental role in advancing African solidarity and decolonisation, adding that Murtala Muhammed’s legacy remains a beacon of courage and Pan-African unity.