Washington, D.C. – Marc 6, 2026
Friends of Angola strongly condemns the decision by President João Lourenço to sign into law the new Law on Non-Governmental Organizations (Lei das Organizações Não-Governamentais), which was approved by the National Assembly on January 22, 2026, and promulgated by the President on February 19, 2026. This legislation represents a significant setback for civic freedoms, democratic participation, and the independence of civil society in Angola, raising serious concerns about the future of civic space and the protection of fundamental rights in the country.
While the Government has justified the law as a mechanism to regulate the activities of NGOs and improve coordination with public institutions, the provisions contained in the legislation raise profound concerns about excessive state control over independent civic organizations. The law establishes broad monitoring and oversight powers for government authorities over the registration, activities, financing, and operations of NGOs, effectively placing civil society under administrative supervision by the Executive.
Under the new legal framework, NGOs must obtain authorization to operate and remain subject to continuous monitoring by a government body responsible for supervising their activities and programs. The law also allows administrative authorities to suspend the activities of an organization for extended periods when they determine that its actions allegedly threaten national interests or violate regulatory provisions.
Friends of Angola is particularly concerned that such provisions may be used to restrict the autonomy of civil society organizations, intimidate human rights defenders, and silence independent voices, especially at a time when Angola is approaching a politically sensitive period ahead of future national elections in 2027.
Civil society organizations play a vital role in strengthening democracy by promoting transparency, accountability, social development, and citizen participation. Instead of enabling this role, the newly enacted law risks creating a legal environment that discourages independent civic engagement and concentrates oversight power in the hands of the Executive branch.
International human rights standards, including those recognized by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – protect the freedom of association and the right of civil society organizations to operate independently without undue interference from the state. Any regulatory framework governing NGOs must respect these fundamental principles.
Friends of Angola calls on the Government of Angola to:
- Ensure that the implementation of the new NGO law fully respects constitutional guarantees of freedom of association and expression.
- Engage in open dialogue with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and independent experts to address legitimate concerns regarding the law.
- Guarantee that the law will not be used as a tool to restrict civic space, silence dissent, or target organizations critical of government policies.
- Align Angola’s regulatory framework for civil society with international democratic and human rights standards.
Angola’s progress toward democratic governance depends on a vibrant and independent civil society. Laws that constrain civic participation ultimately weaken democratic institutions and undermine public trust.
Friends of Angola stands in solidarity with Angolan civil society organizations and remains committed to promoting democracy, human rights, transparency, and accountable governance in Angola.
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola