Renew Europe condemns Angola crackdown on UNITA
Angola has seen a recent escalation of violence targeting the opposition party UNITA, who is a partner of RENEWPAC, culminating in serious incidents on 8 August. Renew Europe strongly condemns this violent crackdown and expresses its support for UNITA leader Adalberto Costa Júnior.
RENEWPAC is the platform bringing together Renew Europe and its sister liberal, centrist and democratic parties from Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen (FDP, Germany), Co-President of RENEWPAC, stated :
"I am deeply concerned by the serious violence reported in Uíge, Angola, on 8 August, which left 34 people injured, including 10 in critical condition, and prevented a planned political gathering from taking place.
Reports and eyewitness accounts alleging that security forces deliberately targeted UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior are extremely serious and require a swift, independent and impartial investigation. Any use of violence, intimidation or excessive force against political leaders, activists or citizens peacefully exercising their democratic rights is unacceptable."
Jan-Christoph OetjenRenew Europe MEP, Germany, Freie Demokratische Partei
As Angola moves towards the 2027 general elections, the protection of democratic space must be an absolute priority. All political forces must be able to organise, assemble and campaign freely and safely, on equal terms and without intimidation or interference. Political competition belongs at the ballot box, never in the streets through violence or coercion.
RENEWPAC calls on the Angolan authorities to ensure a credible investigation into the events in Uíge, establish responsibility where wrongdoing occurred, guarantee appropriate assistance to those injured, and uphold the freedoms of assembly, expression and political participation.
Angola's stability and future prosperity depend on strong democratic institutions, political pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms. These principles must be protected by all sides, particularly as the country enters the crucial period ahead of the 2027 elections.