The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states adopted today, in Windhoek, unanimously on 23 March as the Southern African Liberation Day.

The date is dedicated to the Cuito Cuanavale battle, fought in the Angolan province of Cuando Cubango in 1988, between the Angolan Army, aided by Cuban forces, and the invading troops of the former apartheid regime in South Africa.

The SADC Heads of State and Government are holding from to Saturday the 38th Community Summit in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia.

The Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, expressed his satisfaction at the consecration of the date, since it honors the well-known and anonymous heroes who contributed decisively to opening the way to the liberation struggle in the southern region of Africa.

SADC now has 16 member states due to the entry of the Republic of the Comoros into the regional bloc after being admitted to the Summit of Heads of State and Governments held in South Africa.

The Republic of the Comoros is located in the Indian Ocean, composed of three islands, and its President is Ahmed Abdallah, who participates in this summit. -ANGOP