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Washington D.C./Luanda, April 27, 2025
Friends of Angola (FoA) expresses its strongest repudiation of the repressive actions carried out by Angolan authorities during the student demonstration that took place on April 26, 2025, in Luanda.
According to information from Deutsche Welle (DW Africa), at least 50 students and 3 journalists were arbitrarily detained while participating in or covering the peaceful march organized by the Angolan Student Movement (MEA).
The demonstration, held under the slogan “For all the forgotten schools, for every neglected student, for every teacher who persists,” aimed to demand greater investment in public education and better conditions for teachers and students.
Although Angola declares itself a democratic state governed by the rule of law, the security forces prevented the peaceful assembly of demonstrators and resorted to arbitrary arrests, in total violation of constitutional principles and international treaties to which Angola is a signatory.
Contradictions with Presidential Promises
It is important to recall that since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has made public commitments to promote freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and respect for human rights in Angola.
In his inauguration speech and in various international forums, Lourenço pledged to build a “democratic, pluralistic, and inclusive society.”
However, the recent actions in Luanda directly contradict these promises and raise serious doubts about the true political will to consolidate democracy in the country.
Friends of Angola’s Demands:
- Immediate and unconditional release of the 50 students and 3 journalists detained;
- Initiation of an independent and impartial investigation into the abuses committed by security forces;
- Full respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of the press, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Angola and international treaties;
- Public and concrete guarantees that the commitments made by the Head of State will be effectively fulfilled.
Democracy is strengthened through respect for civil and political rights, not through the repression of critical voices. Preventing peaceful demonstrations undermines the construction of a rule-of-law state based on citizen participation and open dialogue.
Friends of Angola reaffirms its commitment to continue defending freedom, transparency, and human rights in Angola.
Sincerely,
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola (FoA)
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.friendsofangola.org
📞 USA: +1 202-926-5772 | Angola: +244 931 514 967 |
