Platform for African Democrats Challenges Angola’s Democratic Suppression

The Platform for African Democrats condemns the Angolan government’s crackdown on a democracy meeting in Benguela, where delegates faced visa denials and deportations. PAD calls for a public apology from President Lourenço, emphasizing the need for open discourse on democracy. Despite challenges, advocates express a strengthened commitment to democratic values in Africa.

The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has publicly condemned the Angolan government for its repressive actions against a significant democracy meeting held in Benguela. This gathering, which included former heads of state and democracy advocates, faced disruption due to visa denials, detentions, and deportations enforced by Angolan authorities.

PAD reported that numerous delegates were denied visas for unspecified “technical reasons” while others holding valid visas were detained and subsequently deported upon arrival in Angola. Delegates from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda were particularly affected, with over 25 political leaders from Southern Africa denied entry.

A group of attendees, including notable figures like Ian Khama and Moeketsi Majoro, were detained for nine hours at the airport before their release, only to find that their missed flight could not be compensated by the Angolan authorities, despite promises of transportation.

PAD characterized the Angolan regime’s actions as an attempt to suppress democratic discourse, stating, “The true nature of the Angolan regime has been exposed,” highlighting its willingness to disregard discussions about progress in Africa.

Furthermore, PAD organizers have called for a public apology from President João Lourenço regarding these incidents. They emphasized that such behaviors exhibit a reluctance to entertain democratic ideas among African nations.

This democratic gathering, entitled “The Future of Democracy in Africa,” aimed to build on previous PAD summits focused on promoting transparency and resisting authoritarianism, contrasting sharply with President Lourenço’s leadership at the African Union summit held concurrently.

The event saw attendance from renowned international democracy organizations and several significant figures, although the Angolan government imposed authoritarian restrictions. Despite these challenges, PAD expressed that their perseverance has only solidified their commitment to democratic values, declaring, “The fight for democracy, openness, and accountability is stronger than ever.”

Finally, PAD urged unity among African democrats, asserting that the struggle for democratic ideals in Angola parallels those in other African nations, aiming for collective reform and progress for the continent’s peoples.

The Platform for African Democrats’ condemnation of the Angolan government’s actions against a democracy meeting underscores a larger issue regarding freedom of speech and democratic discourse in Africa. The organization’s call for a public apology from President João Lourenço reflects the urgent need for accountability and a commitment to uphold democratic values. Despite the disruptions faced, the resolve of advocates for democracy has only strengthened, reinforcing a collective goal of progress across the continent.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke