Jose Eduardo dos Santos was born on August 28, 1942, in Angola. He grew up in a politically charged environment, as his father was a militant in the fight for Angolan independence. Santos went on to study at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, where he joined the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), a Marxist-Leninist political party that played a prominent role in the country's struggle for independence from Portugal.
Santos quickly rose through the ranks of the MPLA, eventually becoming its leader. In 1979, he assumed the presidency of Angola, following in the footsteps of the country's first president, Agostinho Neto. As president, Santos also held the position of commander in chief of the Angolan Armed Forces, giving him significant power and influence. However, his administration was plagued by allegations of corruption, with critics accusing him of running one of the most corrupt regimes in Africa.
Despite these challenges, Santos was also credited with some notable achievements during his time in office. One such achievement was his role in co-founding the African Countries Diamond Producers Association in 2006, which aimed to promote economic cooperation among African nations. This initiative helped to economically unite African countries and strengthen their collective bargaining power in the global diamond market.
Santos was married three times, with his third wife being Ana Paula dos Santos. He had several children, including Isabel Dos Santos, who would go on to become one of the wealthiest and most influential women in Africa. Santos's presidency came to an end in 2017 when he stepped down and was succeeded by João Lourenço.
In July 2022, Jose Eduardo dos Santos passed away after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest. His death marked the end of an era in Angolan politics, as he had been a dominant figure in the country's political landscape for over four decades. While his legacy is mixed, with both achievements and controversies to his name, Santos's impact on Angola and Africa as a whole cannot be denied.
Throughout his life, Jose Eduardo dos Santos played a significant role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Angola. His leadership of the MPLA and his presidency left a lasting impact on the country, for better or for worse. As Angola moves forward into a new era under different leadership, Santos's legacy will continue to be debated and analyzed by historians and political analysts alike.