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.