HIS: This Day in History: 1979 – Agostinho Neto, Angolan politician, 1st President of Angola died in Moscow, USSR.

António Agostinho Neto (17 September 1922 – 10 September 1979) was an Angolan politician and poet. He served as the 1st President of Angola (1975–1979), having led the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in the war for independence (1961–1974). Until his death, he led the MPLA in the civil war (1975–2002). Known also for his literary activities, he is considered Angola's preeminent poet. His birthday is celebrated as National Heroes' Day, a public holiday in Angola.

Death

Agostinho Neto died September 10, 1979 in Moscow, USSR after surgery for cancer and hepatitis. Neto was 56 years old at the time of death. Neto had a long battle with cancer of the pancreas, as well as chronic hepatitis that ultimately took his life. Neto had been to the Soviet Union multiple times for treatment because of the high level of medical professionals there. Few people knew about the African Nationalist's failing health, because he and his colleagues thought it was better to hide this information, as to not show weakness.

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