Jose Eduardo dos Santos

Date of Birth: August 28, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: July 8, 2022

Biography

José Eduardo dos Santos was born on August 28, 1942, in Luanda, Angola, which was then a Portuguese colony. He became a prominent Angolan politician and served as the President of Angola from September 21, 1979, to September 26, 2017, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. Dos Santos played a crucial role in the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) during the Angolan War of Independence and later the Angolan Civil War. His presidency saw both the end of a protracted civil war and the start of Angola’s economic boom fueled by oil revenues. However, his tenure was also marked by allegations of corruption and nepotism. After stepping down, he was succeeded by João Lourenço.

5 Interesting Facts about Jose Eduardo dos Santos

1. José Eduardo dos Santos was instrumental in negotiating peace agreements with UNITA, leading to the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002.

2. Under his leadership, Angola became one of Africa’s top oil producers, significantly boosting the country’s economy.

3. Dos Santos studied in the Soviet Union, where he received a degree in petroleum engineering.

4. His daughter, Isabel dos Santos, became Africa’s richest woman, although her wealth has been subject to scrutiny and legal challenges.

5. Dos Santos was often criticized for human rights abuses and suppressing political opposition during his time in office.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jose Eduardo dos Santos

1. “Peace is a process, and we must be vigilant and committed to ensure it is maintained.”

2. “Our country’s future depends on the education and empowerment of our youth.”

3. “We must fight corruption with the same vigor with which we fought for our independence.”

4. “Economic diversification is essential for sustainable development.”

5. “Unity and reconciliation are the cornerstones of a stable and prosperous Angola.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, José Eduardo dos Santos was reported to control assets worth up to $20 billion, largely due to his and his family’s extensive involvement in Angola’s oil sector.

Children

José Eduardo dos Santos had multiple children, the most notable being: 1. Isabel dos Santos – Businesswoman and Africa’s richest woman at one point. 2. José Filomeno dos Santos – Former head of Angola’s sovereign wealth fund. 3. Welwitschia José dos Santos – Politician and member of the Angolan Parliament.