Bishop José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo and President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), embodies a courageous and unwavering voice in the face of injustice. This man of faith, marked by personal trials and the political turbulence of his country, recently shared his poignant testimony about the threats he has faced.
In an interview granted to Radio Ecclesia on the occasion of his 60th birthday, Bishop Imbamba revealed a particularly dark episode in his life. In 2003, following the post-election conflicts that shook Angola, he was on a list of people targeted for elimination. His frank stances in favor of justice and truth had earned him direct threats.
"I was threatened face-to-face because of my words," he confided. Despite these attempts at intimidation, the archbishop never renounced his commitment:
"I stand by everything I say. I am not the voice of anyone, but the voice of the Gospel."
Ordained a priest in 1991 in Luena, during a period of intense war, Bishop Imbamba exercised his ministry in a context of great instability. Angola's first elections in 1992, marred by violence, led to a civil war that did not end until 2002. Amid this chaos, he chose to defend the rights of the poor and marginalized, a struggle he tirelessly continues.
As the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence approaches, Bishop Imbamba expressed his disillusionment with the country's current situation. "This is not the Angola dreamed of by our nationalist founders," he declared, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the past must not be betrayed by partisan interests.
For him, patriotism must take precedence over political divisions:
"We serve political parties more than our nation. It is time to rediscover our national and cultural identity."
In his words, a clear call resonates: to rethink the country and its ideals. According to Bishop Imbamba, Angola must promote a just and inclusive society, where leaders truly commit to guiding the people out of the current confusion.
Despite the challenges encountered during his 33 years of priesthood, he describes his ministry as a "beautiful and rewarding" vocation. His mission remains anchored in the Gospel, which calls him to defend the most vulnerable and fight against social injustice.
In a world where personal and partisan interests threaten unity, the example of Bishop José Manuel Imbamba reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to one's convictions. His fight for justice and human dignity is an inspiring testimony for all who seek to build a more humane society.