Friends of Angola strongly condemns the Luanda Court of Appeals’ decision to suspend the “National Dialogue on the Electoral Legislative Process” organized by the Angolan Bar Association
Luanda, May 9, 2025
Friends of Angola (FoA) strongly condemns the decision issued by the Luanda Court of Appeals on May 7, 2025, which ordered the suspension of the event titled “National Dialogue on the Electoral Legislative Process,” organized by the Angolan Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados de Angola – O.A.A.) and scheduled for May 8 at the Catholic University of Angola.
We consider this decision a serious affront to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to civic participation — rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola and in multiple international human rights treaties to which Angola is a party. The event aimed to foster pluralistic and constructive debate on an issue of national importance: the electoral legislative process. Preventing such dialogue is a direct attack on the consolidation of democracy in the country.
The use of judicial power to restrict legitimate spaces for public debate among civil society, academics, and legal professionals signals a troubling trend of repression of civil liberties and the autonomy of civic institutions. It is unacceptable to suppress the exercise of citizenship under political or administrative pretexts.
Friends of Angola stands in solidarity with the Angolan Bar Association, the Catholic University of Angola, and all organizations and citizens committed to strengthening the rule of law, good governance, and democratic participation in Angola. We call on the Angolan authorities to reverse this repressive stance and to fully uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens.
We will continue to support and amplify all initiatives that promote transparency, inclusive dialogue, and social justice in Angola.
For democracy, for the rule of law,
Florindo Chivucute,
Executive Director
Friends of Angola(FoA)