Angola
Tuesday 23.8.2022 Angola - Latest Developments -
Civic freedoms restricted ahead of 24th August general elections
On 17th August 2022, police officers attempted to prevent a civil society protest from taking place in Luanda. The protest, organised by dozens of CSO's, aimed to protest irregularities in the electoral process for the upcoming general elections on 24th August 2022. Groups of protesters, spread out on the planned itinerary of the protest, were dispersed by police officers. Dozens of protesters, including VOA correspondent Coque Mukuta, were reportedly arrested. Read more
Wednesday 25.11.2020 Angola - Latest Developments -
Protests to demand local elections, jobs and better living conditions violently repressed
On 24th October 2020, protesters gathered in Luanda to demand the holding of local elections, which were postponed, and the rising costs of living. Police responded forcefully to the protests, which were organised by social movements, including the movement Movimento Jovens Pelas Autarquias (Youth Movement for Municipal Elections). According to news reports, police occupied the streets from the early morning, and were reinforced by military officers at the Cemitério da Santana and 1º de Maio square, where the protest was planned to end. Several activists told media they were subjected to police brutality during the protest. Read more
Monday 9.7.2018 Angola - Latest Developments -
Anti-corruption journalist Rafael Marques and Mariano Bras acquitted
On 6th July, the Provincial Court of Luanda acquitted anti-corruption journalist Rafael Marques and Mariano Brás, editor of the newspaper O Crime. Both were charged on 20th June 2017 with 'outrage to a body of sovereignty' and' injury against public authority' under the Law on Crimes Against the State and Penal Code respectively. Read more
Friday 18.8.2017 Angola - Latest Developments -
Protests organised by activists banned ahead of 23rd August elections
In less than a week of the 23rd August general elections, restrictions on fundamental freedoms are rife. As reported previously on the Monitor, violations on the freedom of expression and assembly have intensified in the run-up of the general elections. Earlier this week, Angola has issued a ban on protests of activists and organisations that are not competing in the elections (see below). Human rights CSOs have, according to Radio France International, denounced the excessive military presence in the Lundas region and in Cabinda, two regions considered to be sensitive where there are calls for more autonomy and self determination, including intimidation of the population in those areas. Read more
Thursday 6.7.2017 Angola - Latest Developments -
Rights violations intensify ahead of August elections
As the general elections on 23rd August 2017 draws close, restrictions and violations on expression and assembly have increased in the form of legal harassment of journalists and violent disruption of protests. Journalist and human rights defender Rafael Marques de Morais was indicted on 20th June 2017 for the crimes of 'outrage to a body of sovereignty and injury against public authority' under the Angolan Law on Crimes against State Security and the Penal Code. Read more
Wednesday 12.4.2017 Angola - Latest Developments -
Peaceful march on National Reconciliation Day disrupted by heavy police presence
Activists peacefully gathered in Luanda and Benguela on 4th April 2017 to march and meet in memory of the more than 500,000 Angolans who lost their lives during the 15-year civil war. Read more
Thursday 2.3.2017 Angola - Latest Developments -
Violence used against peaceful protesters in Angola
Two protests in Luanda and Benguala on 24th February 2017 turned violent when police began attacking the protesters with batons and police dogs. Read more
Thursday 14.4.2016 Angola - Latest Developments -
CIVICUS condemns sentencing of 17 Angolan activists
The Provincial Court of Luanda sentenced 17 Angolan youth activists to prison sentences ranging from between two to over eight years on Monday for engaging in “preparation of a rebellion and criminal association.” CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, strongly condemns this latest instance of repression by Angola’s totalitarian state apparatus, headed by president José Eduardo dos Santos since 1979. Read more
