Cabral, Amilcar (1924-1973)

Guinean nationalist leader. He founded the African Party for the Independence of Portuguese Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) in 1956 and, after abortive constitutional discussions with the Portuguese government, initiated a revolutionary war in 1963. He was murdered in 1973 just as his aim was being achieved. His brother, Luiz Cabral, became the first president of an independent Guinea-Bissau in 1974.

Amilcar Cabral was noted for his commitment to politicizing the peasantry and establishing alternative institutions in liberated territories. He presided over a successful war that forced the Portuguese to concede independence.

Educated at Lisbon University, Portugal, he initially worked as an agronomist and agricultural engineer for the colonial authorities.