Nigeria Mourns Angola’s Former Vice-President, Fernando Santos: A Tribute to a Liberation Veteran and Statesman

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its official condolences to the Republic of Angola following the passing of former Vice-President Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, a foundational figure in the nation’s modern history. The news, announced on Sunday, December 22, 2025, marks the loss of a leader whose life was inextricably linked to Angola’s struggle for independence and its complex post-colonial journey.

In a formal statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed the nation’s “profound sadness” at Santos’s death. The statement, delivered by Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, painted a portrait of Santos not merely as a politician, but as a pivotal architect of the Angolan state.

The Legacy of “Nandó”: From Liberation Fighter to Institutional Pillar

Referred to affectionately as “Nandó,” Fernando Santos’s career was a testament to a lifetime of service. As Minister Tuggar noted, his roles were comprehensive: Vice-Minister, Minister, Prime Minister (from 2002 to 2008), Vice-President (under President José Eduardo dos Santos from 2010 to 2012), and President of the National Assembly (from 2012 to 2022). This trajectory is rare, demonstrating a deep, sustained engagement in every branch of government.

His significance, however, is rooted in an earlier chapter. Santos was a veteran of the Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA), the movement that fought for independence from Portugal. This liberation struggle credential granted him immense moral authority and connected him directly to Angola’s founding narrative. His subsequent political work was often framed within the context of securing and consolidating the independence for which he had fought.

A Stabilizing Force in a Fractured Landscape

Minister Tuggar’s statement highlighted Santos as “a pillar of Angolan stability.” This is a crucial point of context. Angola’s post-independence history was dominated by a devastating civil war (1975-2002) between the MPLA and UNITA rebels. Santos served as Prime Minister during the critical early years of peace following the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.

His tenure in that role and later as head of parliament was instrumental in navigating the challenges of national reconciliation, post-war reconstruction, and managing the country’s vast oil wealth. He was often seen as a balancing figure within the MPLA, respected for his loyalty and experience. His commitment to “national unity and reconciliation,” as cited by Nigeria, speaks directly to this period of healing from conflict.

A Continental Voice and Nigeria-Angola Solidarity

The Nigerian condolence message strategically framed Santos’s influence beyond Angola’s borders, calling him “a respected voice in the Southern African region and across the African continent.” This underscores the diplomatic weight of his passing. Angola, under the MPLA, has been a significant player in Southern African Development Community (SADC) politics and continental affairs.

Nigeria’s expression of shared grief—”Nigeria shares in the grief of our Angolan brothers and sisters”—reinforces the longstanding diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest oil producers. Both nations have historically viewed themselves as regional leaders and partners in advocating for African solutions to continental issues. Mourning a figure like Santos is an act of diplomatic solidarity that reaffirms these bonds.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, Minister Tuggar extended heartfelt condolences to Angolan President João Lourenço, the Santos family, and the Angolan people. The statement concluded with a prayer for eternal rest for the former leader and comfort for the bereaved.

The passing of Fernando “Nandó” Santos represents the closing of a chapter in Angolan history—the gradual departure of the generation that directly fought for and built the post-colonial state. Nigeria’s thoughtful and detailed tribute acknowledges not just the man, but the symbolic weight of his era and the enduring partnership between two African powers.

(This analysis expands on the original report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)).