Jose Eduardo dos Santos

Jose Eduardo dos Santos succeeded Agostinho Neto as President of Angola after Neto's death. He became the leader of the MPLA and the country, inheriting an ongoing civil war.

Dos Santos signed the Bicesse Accords with UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi, agreeing to a ceasefire and multi-party elections. The accords aimed to end the Angolan Civil War but ultimately failed.

Dos Santos won the 1992 presidential election, but UNITA rejected the results, leading to a resumption of the civil war. The election was internationally monitored but marred by violence.

After the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi in combat, dos Santos's government signed a ceasefire with UNITA, ending the 27-year civil war. The peace allowed for post-war reconstruction and oil-driven economic growth.

Following the civil war, Angola experienced an oil boom, with production reaching over 1.8 million barrels per day. The revenue fueled rapid economic growth but also led to high corruption and inequality.

Dos Santos stepped down as president after 38 years in power, handing over to his chosen successor, Jo