SADC PF mourns passing of Angolan legislator
Moses Magadza
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has joined the National Assembly of Angola in mourning the passing of Diamantino Domingos Mussokola, an Angolan legislator and active member of the Forum.
Mussokola died on Friday, 13 June 2025, in Luanda at the age of 54.
In a statement issued in Luanda, the speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Carolina Cerqueira, paid tribute to the late parliamentarian, hailing his legacy of humility, camaraderie, and wisdom.
“As a Member of Parliament, Diamantino Domingos Mussokola leaves behind a legacy of humility, camaraderie, and wisdom that enriched political debates in the House of Laws,” she noted, adding that his dedication and keen sense of duty greatly contributed to parliamentary work and national dialogue.
Mussokola was a member of the National Assembly’s committee on foreign affairs, international cooperation and Angolan communities abroad (3rd Committee), as well as a member of Angola’s national group to the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
Trained in international relations and a university lecturer by profession, Mussokola had been serving in Angola’s Parliament since the 4th legislature and was representing the UNITA Parliamentary group in the current 5th legislature.
He was sworn in on 16 September 2022.
SADC PF secretary general Boemo Sekgoma reacted to his passing with profound sorrow.
“I extend, on behalf of the Secretariat and the entire family of the SADC PF, our deepest condolences to the Honourable Speaker, Members of the National Assembly of Angola, the family of the late Honourable, and indeed the people of Angola,” she said.
She said the passing of Honourable Mussokola was “a devastating loss,” not only to his country but also to the entire SADC Parliamentary Forum fraternity.
“He was a distinguished parliamentarian whose commitment to democratic governance, regional integration, and inclusive dialogue was evident in all his interactions at the Forum,” Sekgoma said.
She recalled that Mussokola was well known “for his calm disposition, intellectual rigour, and deeply considered contributions.”
Sekgoma said Mussokola actively participated in all SADC PF statutory meetings and was especially noted for taking meticulous notes, engaging thoughtfully, and always speaking from a well-informed perspective.
She noted that whether in plenary sessions or committee discussions, he demonstrated a forward-looking mindset and a sincere desire to help shape a better future for the SADC region.
The SG said the last time the SADC PF had the honour of hosting Mussokola was during the orientation workshop for the new executive committee in Windhoek, Namibia, followed by the 57th Plenary Assembly Session in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
“On both occasions, he was exceptionally active, present, and principled, embodying the very spirit of parliamentary diplomacy and solidarity that the Forum strives to promote,” she recalled.
She added, “His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to collaborate with him. We shall miss his wisdom, his presence, and his unwavering dedication to the ideals of regional cooperation and democracy.”
The SADC PF internal auditor and secretary of the Forum’s Audit and Risk Committee, Samuel Allan Bokosi, expressed sorrow on behalf of the committee, describing Mussokola as “a source of knowledge, analytical insight, and leadership experience.”
“Although we never had the chance to meet in person, as the second committee meeting was rescheduled, I was looking forward to collaborating with him following his appointment to the Audit and Risk Committee in April 2025,” Bokosi said.
He added that Mussokola’s passing represents “a significant loss” to the audit and risk committee, whose mandate includes strengthening institutional integrity, promoting sound fiscal management, and ensuring accountability within the Forum.
“His contributions would have been instrumental in shaping the Committee’s strategic oversight and governance practices. His absence will be deeply felt, both professionally and personally,” he said.
*Moses Magadza is the media and communications manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
