Under the sign “embrace and forgive”, the campaign being carried out by the Executive, through the Commission for the Implementation of the Reconciliation Plan in Memory of the Victims of Political Conflicts (CIVI- COP), handed over yesterday to the family the remains of the army general, Eduardo Ernesto Gomes “Bakalof”, victim of the political conflicts of May 27, 1977
In the event presided over by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Marcy Lopes, in addition to the urn containing the bones, duly compared with the DNA tests carried out on some family members by the central forensic criminalistics laboratory, a death certificate was also delivered . The burial will take place this Friday, 17th, from 9 am, at the Sant’ana Cemetery, in Luanda.
The moment of delivery of the bones was marked by a mix of feelings, with overwhelming comfort, as the family waited for 46 years to be able to live that moment, which was not possible in the past due to the context of the time. According to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, to reach the moment of delivery of the bones, careful work was carried out by the central forensic crime laboratory and DNA testing of some members of the family.
For the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Marcy Lopes, the history of Angola, especially in the post-independence period, was marked by political conflicts that caused deep wounds to families, with emphasis on the 27th of May, in which circumstances the “ Bakalof” met his death. The ruler highlighted that the peace that reigns in the country today was achieved with the sacrifice of children who gave life to their dreams and designs.
Marcy Lopes acknowledged that the work of locating the bodies is arduous and identifying the bodies is not an easy task, having appealed to the families of the victims to collaborate with forensic doctors in genetic laboratory confirmation, as CIVICOP’s work will continue throughout the entire territory and the challenges are sensitive. “In other cases, equal treatment, dignity and respect will be given to victims of political conflicts”, highlighted the minister, asking for patience from families who are still waiting.
Family
The eldest daughter of the ill-fated general “Bakalof, Sónia Francisco, on behalf of the family, thanked the Government, for after more than four decades of waiting and uncertainty, having presented what was most expected, the location of the body that is now deserving a dignified death. “It was a long road and all that remains is the feeling of embracing and forgiving”, said the daughter, with tears in her eyes.
May 27th Foundation
In turn, the president of the 27 de Maio Foundation, Silva Mateus, welcomed the Executive’s action because, as he said, the objectives of the association he leads are being achieved. “22 years ago, the Foundation already demanded a dignified funeral for the dead of May 27th and today it is being materialized”, he recalled, and then made it known that at this moment the social integration of some orphans and widows is taking place and the survivors are also be included in the Social Fund for Former Combatants.
The moment of delivery of the remains of army general Eduardo Ernesto Gomes “Bakalof was witnessed by family members, representatives of political parties and civil society, as well as by the president of the 27 de Maio Foundation, Silva Mateus. It should be remembered that CIVICOP was created by Presidential Decree, in April 2019. The mission of this commission is to draw up a general plan to pay homage to the victims of the political conflicts that occurred in Angola, in the period from November 11, 1975 to April 4, 2002, within the scope of national unity and reconciliation.
