Amnesty International (AI) has called on the government of Angola to respect human rights and ensure accountability for countless violations as the country heads to the polls.

Angola, according to AI, has faced an unprecedented crackdown on human rights, including unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests, in the lead up to the 24 August election.

In its new report, Make the vote meaningful for human rights observance: Human rights manifesto for Angola ahead of the 2022 general election, AI detailed how Angolan authorities have increased their clampdown on human rights.

The human rights group called for thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into the claims.

‘Angola has been characterised by an increase in brutal crackdowns on human rights in recent years, including repression of any form of dissent’, AI’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena, said.

‘Protesters, including young people demanding accountability and their socio-economic rights, have not been spared.

‘As the country heads to the polls, authorities must outline their plans to respect human rights, ensure accountability for countless human rights violations, and access to justice and effective remedies for victims.

‘Authorities must work with the international community to bring humanitarian relief to the victims of drought and hunger in the southern region’.

Thousands of heavy armed police and plainclothes officers were deployed in the streets of Luanda in November 2020 ahead of an anti-government protest called by civil society groups to demand jobs and local elections in 2021. Water cannons, rubber bullets, batons and tear gas were used to disperse protesters.

In January 2021, police allegedly shot and killed dozens of activists who were peacefully protesting the high cost of living in the mining town of Cafunfo in Lunda Norte province.

Photo source: Amnesty International