Angola's UN Rep: African Liberation Movements Ended Portugal's Dictatorship

Angola's UN representative Francisco José da Cruz stated in New York that the end of Portugal's dictatorial regime was only possible due to the actions of liberation movements in African colonies. The Carnation Revolution in 1974 ended a decades-long dictatorship under Antonio Oliveira Salazar and Marcelo Caetano, as well as 13 years of colonial wars in Africa.

The almost bloodless military coup by the 'April's Captains' group touched off rapid decolonization, ending more than five centuries of Portuguese empire in Africa. "The primary motivation for the coup was to resolve the problem of the colonial wars in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau," da Cruz said. The coup paved the way for Portugal's first free elections and the independence of its remaining African colonies.

Why this matters: The Carnation Revolution and subsequent independence of African colonies marked a major turning point in Portugal's history and its relationship with Africa. The events continue to shape Portugal's politics and national identity 50 years later.

The anniversary of the revolution comes as a far-right party, Chega, has gained prominence in Portugal. A sizable part of the population still expresses nostalgia for the previous regime, and the rise of Chega has dampened the view that Portugal's authoritarian past would offer it some protection from the rise of the far-right seen elsewhere in Europe.

The military parade and commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary will be attended by heads of African states that were once Portuguese colonies. While most Portuguese support democracy and are proud of the revolution, the surge in support for Chega, which has a revisionist view of Portugal's colonial past, underscores the ongoing debates over the country's history and identity.

Key Takeaways

• Carnation Revolution in 1974 ended Portugal's dictatorship and colonial wars in Africa.
• Military coup paved way for Portugal's first free elections and African colonies' independence.
• Events shaped Portugal's politics and national identity, still debated 50 years later.
• Far-right party Chega has gained prominence, with some nostalgia for previous regime.
• Commemorative events attended by African states, reflecting ongoing debates over history.