NOTE OF REPUDIATION
Luanda, March 14, 2025
Subject: Condemnation of Police Repression Against 2024 Census Agents and Urgent Demand for Payment of Their Wages
It is with deep outrage that we condemn the events of March 12, 2025, in front of the National Institute of Statistics (INE) headquarters, where census agents who diligently participated in the 2024 Census were violently repressed by the National Police. These workers, exercising their legitimate and constitutional right to peaceful protest, were demanding the overdue wages they have been denied for months.
Reports confirm that the demonstrators fully complied with legal requirements, having formally notified the National Police in advance. However, they were met with a disproportionate and violent crackdown, resulting in physical assaults and the forced dispersal of protesters, leaving several injured.
It is absolutely unacceptable that citizens who played a critical role in the national census process should be subjected to such brutality simply for demanding their rightful compensation. The use of violence against peaceful demonstrators not only violates fundamental human rights but also erodes the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution.
We demand immediate action from the relevant authorities:
- Prompt payment of all overdue salaries to census agents, supervisors, IT technicians, community agents, drivers, and logistics personnel involved in the 2024 Census.
- A thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the abuses committed by the National Police, ensuring full accountability for those responsible.
- Respect and protection of constitutional rights, guaranteeing that future peaceful protests are met with lawful and dignified treatment by security forces.
We stand in full solidarity with all affected workers and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the defense of human rights, social justice, and the rule of law in Angola.
Sincerely,
Blooming Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola