Angola’s President João Lourenço warns corrupt officials, hints to run for second term

In power since September 2017, he said that fighting corruption is a commitment of every society, in particular the MPLA, and said he was convinced that he would defeat the corrupt officials. João Lourenço said that he is only leading the fight against this evil that had reached unsustainable levels in Angola, stressing that the guarantee of victory will be a matter of time.

“We must be honest and say that it lacks much courage, the loss of many nights, but we think we have the nerves of steel strong enough to carry this fight to the end, whatever difficulties and threats we may encounter along the way,” he said.

The President of the Republic denied that there is any type of persecution against the family of the former President, José Eduardo dos Santos, and other political figures of weight in the country. Asked about the possibility of ex-President José Eduardo dos Santos, to be brought to justice, if there are elements for such, when he finished his immunity period, João Lourenço said that it is an exclusive matter of the Public Prosecuting Council.

In the 30-minute interview, the Angolan head of state also praised the progress achieved in his first term of office, such as greater press freedom and the strengthening of citizens' fundamental liberties. According to Angola’s Head of State, it is no longer a taboo to organize a public protest in Angola, adding that non-governmental organizations and civil society are not today stigmatized for disagreeing with the President or the Government’s policies.

As for expectations of the future of the nation, he said that he would like, at the end of his term, to leave a country where citizens have more access to the press, more freedom of expression, more freedom of protest and better material and spiritual conditions. Asked about the possibility of re-running to the post of President of the Republic, at the end of this term, João Lourenço said it was still premature to talk about the issue.

On the other hand, João Lourenço said in the interview that although ‘it was early to speak, still if he remains in good health, he will be in principle complete’. The 65-year old politician indirectly said that he is available to run for a second and final term.

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