Menongue - Historian Arão Zaqueu highlighted in Menongue, south-east Cuando Cubango province, the relevance of the Baixa de Cassenje massacre, in northern-east province of Malanje, which boosted the various subsequent struggles that allowed the achievement of independence in Angola.
Speaking to ANGOP, the historian Arão Zaqueu said that this was a remarkable fact for the history of Angola, for having caused a great revolt, which opened the doors for the beginning of the Armed Struggle and National Liberation, on 4 February of the same year.
He said he hoped for greater promotion and dissemination of the events that took place in January 4, 1961, mainly with the holding of conferences and debates among young people.
He said the goal is to awaken interest in the historical facts that marked certain moments in the country.
The historian He said it was a very important date that demonstrated unselfishness, commitment and dedication, as, on this date, many sons of the country had to surrender and dedicate themselves in favour of the freedom of all Angolans.
Arão Zacchaeus referred that the youth must remember and preserve this landmark and make sure that nothing is above the collective goods and the freedom of the people.
He said that, 62 years after the events in Baixa de Cassanje, Angolans of the current generation need to reflect on the hundreds of lives lost, in favour of independence, peace, harmony and social stability.
On January 4, 1961, Portuguese settlers repressed around 20,000 Angolan peasants in what it known as Baixa de Cassanje Massacre, a territory located between the provinces of Malanje and Lunda Norte.
The events raised the awareness of freedom among Angolan patriots who, on February 4 of the same year, decided to launch an armed struggle against the Portuguese fascist regime, leading to the country's independence, on November 11, 1975.
