Angola ‘slavery’ fuels first-ever general strike

Angola is set to experience its first general strike since independence, driven by labor unions demanding a significant increase in the minimum wage from $38 to $288. The government has proposed a smaller increase to $45, deeming the union's demands unreasonable. The main opposition party, Unita, supports the workers, highlighting the inadequacy of current wages to cover basic living costs. The strike follows a series of sector-specific strikes and recent protests over subsidy cuts, reflecting widespread economic discontent.

Angola: President's Trip to Seychelles Causes Outrage

A wave of indignation has swept Angola following revelations of a private trip by President João Lourenço and his family to the Seychelles for New Year's. The controversy has been fueled by the silence of the presidency regarding the leaked documents, which included passport copies of the president's entourage. The trip, involving 34 people, is estimated to cost over two million dollars, sparking criticism amid the country's socio-economic crisis. Activists and civil society representatives have condemned the lack of transparency and the misuse of public funds, arguing that the money could be better spent on improving the education system. The presidency has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

UNITA demands release of 'political prisoners'

UNITA demands the immediate release of political prisoners in Angola, condemning the government's persecution of activists. The party criticizes President João Lourenço's policies as unsustainable and calls for political change through local elections in 2024. UNITA also expresses concern over poverty in Angola and condemns FRELIMO's interference in Mozambique's local elections, urging international sanctions.

Angola: Journalists denounce new wave of persecution

Independent journalism in Angola continues to face intimidation and persecution, with recent incidents including attempted kidnappings and threatening messages. The Sindicato dos Jornalistas Angolanos (SJA) calls for urgent intervention from the Procuradoria-Geral da República to address these issues. Activists, including Hitler Chiconde, also report similar threats, even outside Angola. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing judicial processes against journalists and concerns about the lack of action from the Ministério Público.

Angola: Parliament approves new composition of the CNE

The Angolan Parliament approved a new composition for the National Electoral Commission (CNE), allocating nine commissioners to the ruling MPLA, four to UNITA, and three to other parties. UNITA opposes this distribution, arguing it gives the MPLA excessive control, and walked out of the parliamentary session in protest. The MPLA criticized UNITA's actions, suggesting their demands could disrupt the electoral body's function. The resolution was supported by MPLA, PRS, and PHA, with FNLA abstaining. The session also saw the approval of a law allowing the President to regulate prices and the introduction of the 2025 General State Budget proposal.

Government must recognize it was inconvenient

The Angolan government faces criticism for its decision to gradually remove fuel subsidies, which has led to increased inflation and higher food prices, exacerbating poverty. Finance Minister Vera Daves announced a re-evaluation of the policy to make it more inclusive, potentially reinstating subsidies. The National Association of Taxi Drivers (ANATA) supports this initiative, while UNITA's Manuel Mbalu and political analyst David Sambongo stress the importance of maintaining subsidies to mitigate the high cost of living. Despite these pressures, President João Lourenço confirmed the continuation of the gradual subsidy removal.

Parliament rejects request for João Lourenço's removal

The Angolan National Assembly rejected a proposal to remove President João Lourenço, presented by the opposition party UNITA. The session, held behind closed doors, was marked by tension and accusations of procedural violations. UNITA leaders criticized the MPLA for lack of transparency and democratic principles, while MPLA members defended the process and accused UNITA of political maneuvering. The session's non-broadcasting was justified by ongoing preparations for an upcoming international parliamentary assembly.

Angola: Unions attempt to halt suspension of medical courses

The Angolan government has suspended admissions to several health-related higher education courses following an evaluation by the Instituto Nacional de Avaliação, Acreditação e Reconhecimento de Estudos de Ensino Superior (INAAREES), which found many courses lacking. This decision has been met with opposition from various stakeholders, including the Movimento dos Estudantes Angolanos (MEA), which is seeking legal action to overturn the suspension. Critics, such as the Sindicato dos Médicos de Angola and the Sindicato dos Enfermeiros de Angola, argue that the decision was made without consulting partners and highlight the lack of resources and political will in public universities. The Associação dos Estudantes das Universidades Privadas de Angola (AEUPA) warns of the financial impact on students and institutions, with potential increases in tuition fees.

Angola will be the stage for protests against 'slave labor'

Union leaders in Angola are preparing mass protests against what they describe as 'slave labor' conditions under the current General Labor Law, which they argue favors employers over employees. The rising inflation and high cost of living have exacerbated workers' dissatisfaction, with some resorting to extreme measures like scavenging for food due to unpaid wages. Union representatives Francisco Jacinto and Filomena Tomás emphasize the need for a revised labor law that ensures dignified work, fair wages, and social protection. The Ministry of Public Administration, Labor and Social Security acknowledges the need for a thorough study to assess potential changes to the law.

Number of activists detained increases in eastern Angola

The Movimento do Protetorado da Lunda Tchokwe faces ongoing repression in its 16-year struggle for regional autonomy in eastern Angola. Recent detentions in Moxico and Cuando Cubango have raised concerns, with activists like Nelson Mucazo highlighting the lack of media coverage and discrimination. The Associação Mãos Livres is providing legal support to nearly 300 detainees, while the Ministry of the Interior confirms ongoing preventive detentions. The situation remains tense, with legal proceedings pending and activists fearing further persecution.