Human Rights Watch Highlights Alleged Abuses by Angolan Security Forces.
According to the New York-based international rights group, Human Rights Watch (HRW), security forces in Angola have been accused of unlawfully killing at least 15 individuals and committing other serious abuses against activists and protestors since January 2023.
The HRW report claims that the police and state security services have also carried out arbitrary arrests, resulting in the detention of hundreds of people. Among those targeted by law enforcement are social and political activists, outspoken artists, and peaceful anti-government protestors throughout the country.
HRW’s senior Africa researcher, Zenaida Machado, expressed concern over the apparent targeting of individuals who speak out against government policies. She urged Angolan authorities to take immediate action to end abusive police practices and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The report is based on phone interviews conducted between January and June 2023, involving 32 individuals, including victims, witnesses, and security forces in Luanda, Cabinda, and Bié.
In response to the HRW report, the governing MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola) stated that investigations were underway. MPLA spokesman Rui Falcao contested the report, expressing surprise at how some parties have drawn conclusions and passed judgments even before the necessary investigations are completed.
