Luanda, April 25, 2025
Friends of Angola (FoA) expresses deep concern about the environment of repression and intimidation that often accompanies peaceful demonstrations in Angola. In particular, we refer to the peaceful demonstration announced by the Angolan Student Movement (MEA), scheduled for April 26, 2025, in Luanda, with the slogan: “For every forgotten school, for every neglected student, for every teacher who resists.”
We reiterate that the right to peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola, in its Article 47, which guarantees all citizens the freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration without weapons, without the need for any authorization.
Furthermore, Angola is a signatory to several international instruments that reinforce this right, including:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 20: “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 21: “The right of peaceful assembly is recognized.”
- African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 11: “Everyone has the right to assemble freely with others.”
These international commitments bind Angola to the protection and promotion of the right to peaceful demonstration.
Friends of Angola calls on the Government of Angola to:
- Guarantee the safety and physical integrity of MEA/students protesters and other citizens exercising their right to peaceful demonstration.
- Ensure that security forces act impartially, respecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their party affiliation, race, religion, or opinion.
- Investigate and hold accountable any acts of repression or excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.
Democracy is strengthened by the active participation of citizens. Respect for fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful protest, is essential for building a fair and equitable society.
Sincerely,
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola
📞 Phone: +244 931 514 967
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.friendsofangola.org