Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando da Piedade Dias
dos Santos |
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| President of the National Assembly | |
| In office 27 September 2012 – 15 September 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Paulo Kassoma |
| Succeeded by | Carolina Cerqueira |
| In office 30 September 2008 – 9 February 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Roberto Francisco de Almeida |
| Succeeded by | Paulo Kassoma |
| Vice President of Angola | |
| In office 18 February 2010 – 26 September 2012 |
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| President | José Eduardo dos Santos |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Vicente |
| Prime Minister of Angola | |
| In office 6 December 2002 – 30 September 2008 |
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| President | José Eduardo dos Santos |
| Preceded by | F. J. de F. Dias Van-Dúnem (1999) |
| Succeeded by | Paulo Kassoma |
| Minister of the Interior | |
| In office 29 January 1999 – 6 December 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Santana André Pitra |
| Succeeded by | O. de J. Serra Van-Dúnem |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 March 1950 Luanda, Portuguese Angola |
| Died | 18 December 2025 (aged 75) |
| Political party | MPLA |
| Spouse | Maria Tomé Dias dos Santos |
| Children | 7 |
| Alma mater | Agostinho Neto University |
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos (born 5 March 1950), often called Nandó, was an important Angolan politician. He served as the first Vice President of Angola and also held roles as Prime Minister of Angola and President of the National Assembly. He passed away on 18 December 2025.
Contents
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos: A Leader in Angola
Early Life and Education Journey
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos was born in Luanda, which was then called Portuguese Angola, on March 5, 1950. His parents had moved to Angola from São Tomé and Príncipe. He was a cousin of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos. Later in life, in 2009, he earned a law degree from Agostinho Neto University in Angola.
A Career in Public Service
From Police to Prime Minister
In 1971, Piedade joined the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This was a major political party in Angola. After Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, he started working in the country's police force. By 1978, he became a division head.
In 1981, he moved to the Ministry of the Interior, which handles internal security. He became a Deputy Minister there in 1984. The next year, he was chosen as a member of the MPLA-Workers' Party congress and became a colonel in the Angolan military. He then joined the People's Assembly, which is like a parliament, and began to hold many government positions.
Piedade served as the Minister of the Interior starting in 1999. In November 2002, he was appointed Prime Minister. He officially took office on December 6, 2002. This position had been empty for three years before his appointment.
Leading the National Assembly
In the September 2008 legislative election, Piedade was a candidate for the MPLA. The MPLA won a large majority of votes. Because of this, Piedade was elected to a seat in the National Assembly.
After the 2008 election, the MPLA leaders chose Piedade to become the President of the National Assembly. This happened on September 26, 2008. At the same time, Paulo Kassoma was chosen to become the new Prime Minister. On September 30, the newly elected members of the National Assembly were sworn in. Piedade was then officially elected as President of the National Assembly.
Becoming Vice President
On January 21, 2010, the National Assembly approved a new constitution for Angola. This new constitution gave more power to the president. It also removed the office of prime minister and changed how the president was chosen. Piedade called this moment "historic."
President dos Santos then appointed Piedade to the new position of Vice-President of Angola. This happened on February 3, 2010. Piedade had always been a close and powerful helper to President dos Santos. His appointment as Vice-President made many people think he might become the next president. However, President dos Santos was still planning to run for president in 2012.
Returning to Lead the Assembly
In 2012, Manuel Vicente, who used to lead the state oil company Sonangol, was chosen by the President as a possible future leader. Vicente was named as the second candidate on the MPLA's list for parliament. This made him the party's choice for Vice-President.
After the MPLA won the 2012 legislative election, Vicente became Vice President on September 26, 2012. He took over from Piedade. The very next day, on September 27, 2012, Piedade was again elected as President of the National Assembly. He held this important role until 2022.
Family Life and Legacy
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos was married to Maria Tomé Dias dos Santos. They had seven children together. He died on 18 December 2025, at the age of 75.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos para niños
