Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), delivered a stirring appeal for national reconciliation during the closing Mass of CEAST’s Second Annual Plenary Assembly on September 21, 2025. Speaking at the revered Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima, he declared that reconciliation is “urgent and cannot be postponed,” framing it as a moral imperative for the nation’s future. While celebrating Angola’s independence as a historic achievement and peace as a divine gift, he emphasized that true reconciliation demands courage, humility, and a collective willingness to forgive and rebuild.
His message extended beyond political rhetoric, calling on leaders and citizens alike to silence not only weapons but also hatred, division, and indifference. Archbishop Imbamba urged the country to embrace restorative justice and forge a new social contract that includes all Angolans, especially those historically marginalized. He warned against the corrosive effects of greed, corruption, and impunity, which continue to undermine national unity and social progress. Reconciliation, he stressed, must begin in the home, in communities, and within institutions, becoming a lived reality rather than a distant ideal.
Looking ahead to the National Congress of Reconciliation scheduled for October 29–31, Archbishop Imbamba invited every sector of society, from politicians and educators to artists and religious leaders, to participate in shaping a future rooted in truth, forgiveness, and unity. “Angola belongs to all its children,” he affirmed, underscoring the need for inclusive dialogue and shared responsibility. His call resonated as both a spiritual and civic challenge, urging the nation to confront its wounds with honesty and to build a more just and compassionate society.