Peace Day is observed in Angola every April 4, commemorating the end of the Angolan Civil War, which lasted for nearly 30 years. The civil war began in 1975, shortly after Angola gained independence from Portugal, and was primarily a conflict between two former liberation movements: the MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) and UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola). The war resulted in over 500,000 deaths and displaced more than 1 million people, causing significant damage to the country's infrastructure, public administration, and economy. The conflict concluded when General Paulo Lukamba became the leader of UNITA, leading to a ceasefire agreement and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on this date. Peace Day serves as a reminder of the struggles faced during the civil war and the importance of peace and reconciliation in Angola.