MPLA - Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola
,
The MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) is one of the principal political organisations in modern Angolan history. Founded in the 1950s, it played a leading role in the armed struggle for independence from Portugal and has remained the ruling party since the country's independence in 1975.
Below is achronological list of key factual events in its history:
- 10 December 1956: The MPLA is founded in Luanda through the merger of several nationalist organisations, notably the PLUA (Party for the United Struggle of Africans of Angola) and the PCA (Angolan Communist Party).
- 4 February 1961: The MPLA launches the armed struggle against Portuguese colonial rule with attacks in Luanda.
- 1962: Agostinho Neto becomes the leader of the MPLA.
- 25 April 1974: The Carnation Revolution in Portugal paves the way for decolonisation.
- 15 January 1975: The Alvor Agreement is signed between Portugal and the three liberation movements (MPLA, FNLA and UNITA).
- 11 November 1975: The MPLA proclaims the independence of Angola in Luanda; Agostinho Neto becomes the first President of the People's Republic of Angola.
- 1976: The MPLA consolidates control over Luanda and much of the country's territory.
- 1979: Agostinho Neto dies. José Eduardo dos Santos assumes leadership of the MPLA and the presidency of Angola.
- 1991: The MPLA abandons Marxism-Leninism and adopts democratic socialism. The Bicesse Accords are signed.
- 1992: Angola holds its first multiparty elections. The MPLA wins, but civil war with UNITA resumes.
- 2002: The civil war ends after the death of Jonas Savimbi. The MPLA remains the ruling party.
- 2002–present: The MPLA continues to govern Angola as the dominant political party.