Human Rights Watch (HRW) has decried unlawful killings and other serious abuses by Angolan security forces against political activists and peaceful protesters in Angola.

Development Diaries reports that Angolan security forces have, for decades, according to HRW, committed unlawful killings, used excessive force against protesters, and arbitrarily arrested and detained opposition activists.

It is understood that Angolan authorities have over the last few years demonstrated a ruthless determination to crush dissent and unduly limit the people’s rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

Members of the Angola National Police and its Criminal Investigation Service, and the State Security and Intelligence Service have been implicated in the unlawful killings of at least 15 people.

Also, they have been implicated in the arbitrary arrests and detention of hundreds more.

It is also understood that those targeted include social and political activists, outspoken artists, and protesters who organised or participated in peaceful anti-government activities throughout the country.

In its 2022 World Report, HRW noted that Angolan state security forces have continued to be implicated in serious human rights abuses, including summary executions, excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, and arbitrary detentions throughout 2021.

It is instructive to note that the Angolan police and other officials are bound by articles of the Angolan constitution that protect fundamental rights and liberties.

For example, Article 47 of the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and peaceful, unarmed demonstration to all citizens.

Development Diaries therefore calls on the government of Angola to investigate issues of rights abuses by its security forces and hold the abusers accountable.

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