Luanda — The reasons that compelled the Angolan nationalists to trigger on 4 February 1961 the national liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rule, then in force in Angola, were clarified Thursday in Luanda, under the celebrations of the date.

The facts were highlighted at a lecture run by the coordinator of the February 4 and Epic Survivor Committee, the retired Brigadier Bernardo Armando da Silva.

The event gathered general officers, admirals, high ranking officers, captains, soldiers and civilian employees of the General Staff of Angolan Armed Forces (FAA).

The lecturer said that the attack perpetrated in the prison facilities in Luanda by Angolan nationalists armed with machetes was the starting point for the beginning of widespread of national liberation struggle.

On February 4, 1961, patriots linked to the MPLA, launched an attack against the São Paulo's jails in Luanda, triggering the start of armed struggle that led to the proclamation of the independence of Angola, on November 11, 1975.

The southern Cunene province will host the central event of the 52nd anniversary of national independence on 4 February.