August 8, 2026
The Friends of Angola (FOA) expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the alleged police repression that prevented the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) from holding a political event in the province of Uíge. The incident has been widely reported by the media and extensively documented on social media. According to these reports, officers of the Angolan National Police blocked the gathering of members and supporters of the country’s largest opposition party, using force to disperse participants and prevent the event from taking place.
Reports, photographs, and videos widely shared on social media allegedly show several participants fleeing the venue, including unarmed women seeking refuge while being pursued. Other audiovisual recordings appear to document the use of force to disperse citizens attempting to participate in a peaceful political event.
These incidents raise serious concerns regarding the exercise of the rights to freedom of assembly, peaceful demonstration, and political participation, which are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of Angola and protected by international human rights instruments to which Angola is a State Party, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
In a constitutional democracy, all legally registered political parties must be able to carry out their activities freely, peacefully, and without arbitrary interference by public authorities. Law enforcement agencies have the duty to protect public order and ensure public safety, but this responsibility must be exercised impartially, proportionately, and in strict accordance with the law, without favoring or discriminating against any political party.
Friends of Angola considers it particularly alarming that such incidents are taking place as Angola prepares for its next general elections. Public confidence in the democratic process depends on ensuring a level playing field for all political actors, including the freedom to organize, mobilize supporters, and engage in political expression.
Accordingly, Friends of Angola calls:
- On the Angolan National Police to act with strict political neutrality and to uphold the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality in the performance of its duties;
- On the Government of Angola to guarantee the full enjoyment of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens and political parties, regardless of their political affiliation;
- For all individuals who, directly or indirectly, used political power or public authority to intimidate, repress, or terrorize citizens peacefully exercising their political rights and freedoms—particularly their rights to freedom of assembly, peaceful protest, and political participation—to be investigated and held accountable in accordance with the law;
- On the international community, including the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations, and Angola’s international partners, to closely monitor the civic and political environment ahead of the elections and encourage respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.
Friends of Angola reiterates that a strong democracy is measured not only by the regular holding of elections, but also by the State’s ability to ensure that all citizens and political parties can freely exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation, discrimination, or repression.
The promotion of lasting peace and political stability in Angola requires impartial institutions, respect for political pluralism, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola