Urgent Call for the Immediate Release of Political Prisoners in Angola
Luanda, December 10, 2025
On International Human Rights Day, Friends of Angola (FOA) joins the global community in reaffirming the universal value of human dignity and the urgent need to protect and promote the fundamental rights of all people, without exception.
Today, we recall the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, a historic milestone that enshrined essential principles such as freedom, equality, justice, and protection against abuses of power. However, in Angola — as in many other parts of the world — these principles continue to be violated through political persecution, restrictions on civic space, police violence, systemic corruption, deep inequalities, and attacks on freedom of expression.
FOA expresses profound concern over extrajudicial killings, intimidation of activists and journalists, the existence of political prisoners, and ongoing attempts to silence critical voices. These realities reveal serious weaknesses in Angola’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
On this day, Friends of Angola issues an urgent appeal for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Angola
, and calls for:
- full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms;
- the strengthening of democratic institutions and an independent justice system;
- effective protection of human rights defenders and journalists;
- and active citizen participation in building a more just, inclusive, and transparent society.
The promotion of human rights is not solely the responsibility of the State — it is a collective
commitment that requires courage, integrity, and constant vigilance. Only through respect for human dignity can we build a more inclusive, prosperous, and truly democratic Angola.
Friends of Angola (FOA)
For a more just, free, and democratic Angola.