The ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) party has endorsed the candidacy of President Joao Lourenco, 72, for a third term ahead of its congress this December.

The party arrived at the decision during its fifth central committee extraordinary session held on Thursday in Luanda, the capital, whose agenda was to review "relevant issues within the party's internal life" and resolve on Lourenco’s candidacy ahead of its 9th congress.

In a post session communique quoted on Saturday, the party said the central committee expressed and reaffirmed its recognition and support of Lourenco’s leadership, highlighting his commitment to consolidating its unity and cohesion.

“The central committee congratulated and commended comrade President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for the approval of his candidacy for the position of President of the MPLA, urging him to continue with the same dedication, determination and clarity in leading the party's destinies,” it read in part.

First elected in 2017

Lourenco is serving as the country’s third president having been elected in 2017, prior to which he was Defence minister from 2014 to 2017.

In September 2018, he became chairperson of the party which has continuously held power since the Southern African nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975.