September 24, 2024

RE: Systematic violations of freedom of assembly and peace demonstration in Angola

Friends of Angola (FOA) has learned from various public and independent media outlets that on Saturday, September 21, 2024, police authorities prevented a solidarity march for four activists (Tanaice Neutro, Gildo das Ruas, Abraão Pensador, and Adolfo Campos) and unjustly convicted them of  Disobedience and Resistance, under articles 340 and 342 of the Angolan Penal Code.

These arrests, once again, lacked any legal justification. Eyewitness Luís Antunes, a young bystander, observed the police forcibly dispersing the demonstration. According to Antunes, officers cited a “lack of authorization from the Luanda Provincial Government” as their motive for suppressing the protest.

Among those arrested are General Lina, Sapateiro do Kicolo, Luamba, Cassua Gaspar, and Gonçalves Frederico, all organizers of this Saturday’s protest in Luanda.

On August 31st, activists Adilson Manuel, youth leader of the Bloco Democrático party, Matulunga César Kiala, Cândido Libertador, Pedro Bangui Manuel, and TV Raiar journalist Paulino Aurélio were arrested for taking part in a peaceful demonstration to protest the “bad governance of João Lourenço and his MPLA Party.”

We strongly condemn these unjust actions and clear violations of freedom of speech and assembly and demand the Angolan government uphold and respect the Constitution of the Republic.

We reaffirm that Angola, having ratified international treaties, has enshrined in its Constitution that all constitutional and legal provisions relating to fundamental rights must be interpreted and integrated in harmony with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other relevant international treaties (Article 26.2, CRA). This includes the freedom of assembly guaranteed by Article 47 of the Constitution of the Republic of Angola (CRA). We urgently call for these rights to be respected in practice.

FOA urges João Lourenço’s government to respect the diversity of thought and opinion that exists within our complex and diverse society. It is through this diversity that we can build a better Angola for all.

Furthermore, FOA calls upon the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, to increase their scrutiny of the persistent human rights abuses in Angola and the violations of international protocols to which the Angolan government is a signatory.

About Us:

Friends of Angola (FOA) is an International Non-Governmental Organization with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and observer status at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Our mission focuses on defending human rights, promoting transparency, and advocating for good governance in Angola.

Sincerely,

Florindo Chivucute

Executive Director

Friends of Angola