Before Angola held presidential elections on Wednesday, José Eduardo dos Santos, the country’s president of 38 years stepped aside. Dos Santos and his family will maintain control over the People’s Movement for the Liberation ruling party. While votes are still being counted, Dos Santos declared his defense minister, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the new president.

One of Africa’s most oil-rich countries and an historic ally of Cuba and the Soviet Union, Angola has long been criticized for its low standards of living. In recent times, Angola has increased dependence on oil companies to maintain sovereignty. To discuss the Angolan elections, we’re joined by Marissa J. Moorman, professor of African History at Indiana University and editor at Africa Is A Country.