Chinese Couple Present Diplomas to Angolan Presidential Guards

A Chinese couple has had the honor of presenting diplomas to officers and soldiers of the Angolan Presidential Guard. The recipients of the diplomas had completed a 45-day military course at the Angolan presidency’s prestigious Chacal Instruction Center.

Maka Angola obtained a lengthy video of the ceremony, which took place on August 15, 2014, during the celebrations of the ninth anniversary of the Central Detachment for Protection and Security of the Intelligence Bureau of the President (known as DCPS/CSPR).  The prominence accorded at the ceremony to Mr Wan, a construction contractor, and his love interest raises concerns about protocol within the Angolan Armed Forces and, by extension, in the presidency. No civilian authorities were in attendance at the ceremony.

A snapshot of the video has been edited for public view, and this portal has asked for an expert opinion.

The executive-secretary of the Intelligence Bureau of the President and commander of DCPS/CSPR, Lieutenant-General Jesus Manuel, presided at the ceremony. He did so on behalf of his boss, General Manuel Hélder Vieira Dias “Kopelipa”, the second most powerful man in the country after President Dos Santos. The Central Detachment for Protection and Security is the branch of the Presidential Guard tasked with the protection of national reconstruction projects undertaken by the Chinese.

In the video, soldier Edson Jerónimo gives the military salute to the Chinese construction contractor, who hands him the diploma and pats him on the back.

According to a general who is currently on temporary leave and who prefers to remain anonymous, “there must be something hidden there. Maybe a civilian may have provided secret military assistance. Otherwise, it is worrying. It is stupid.”

The general claims that “the Chinese have come to Angola, under the project of national reconstruction, managed by the then Military Bureau of the President [currently renamed Intelligence Bureau], invested with an imperial veneer.”

“The relationship between Angola and China has been overrated, conferring upon the latter an imperial authority. The Chinese have acquired state power in Angola, and have ever since been imposing themselves upon all walks of Angolan society, in every way”, complains the general.

Note: The video link is available here.

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