Post-colonial Angola has a pretty complicated history, and it’s relationship with the United States is best described as strained after the Maxist-Leninist People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) took power in November 1975. During much of the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002), the internal conflict became yet another proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union. So, as one would expect, there is much to say about the Angolan military and their Soviet and Cuban allies. With that in mind, let me show you our visit to Angola’s Museum of the Armed Forces on 17 March 2025.
The Museum of the Armed Forces resides of the Fortress of São Miguel (Fortaleza de São Miguel). And if you’re a military buff, as I am, you’ll find this place fascinating. That’s especially true since I served in the U.S. armed forces during the Cold War, and these proxy conflicts were a part of our daily lives back then. So, it was quite the thrill to see some of the armaments we faced during that time. But not all the weaponry here was Soviet. I was taken aback when I noticed a pair of North American Aviation T-6 Texans formerly used during the Portuguese Colonial War:
Another stunning feature here, and one that really grabbed Ursula’s eye, were the beautiful Portuguese azulejo tiles lining the walls inside the main hall:
Here are some closeups of those tiles:
But azulejo isn’t the only artistic feature here. You’ll also find statuary on the grounds. The bronze on the left depicts Pedro Álvares Cabral:
There’s much more to see at this museum, so tune in on Wednesday.
Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)
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R. Doug Wicker — Author 