Originally published at National Catholic Register
Angola’s first elections in 1992 were marred by violence, leading to a civil conflict that ended in 2002.
Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of the Archdiocese of Saurimo in Angola has revealed that he was once on a list of people targeted for assassination for defending truth and justice.
In an interview with Radio Ecclesia on Jan. 7, the day he turned 60, Archbishop Imbamba recalled the dangers he faced in 2003 following Angola’s post-election conflict.
“My priestly life has been full of misunderstandings. I was ordained during a time of intense war in Luena, and I faced many difficulties,” the archbishop recounted.
“In 2003, during the post-electoral conflict, I was on a list of people to be eliminated,” he said.
Angola’s first elections in 1992 were marred by violence, leading to a civil conflict that ended in 2002.
“I have been threatened face to face by people due to my forthright discussions. These threats aim to intimidate and tarnish my image and that of the Church. However, I take full responsibility for everything I say. I am not anyone’s mouthpiece,” said Imbamba, who also serves as the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe.
