Africa-Press – Angola. The Revolutionary United Youth of Angola (JURA), the youth wing of UNITA, denies any ideological connection with the Portuguese far-right party, Chega, justifying participation in an event of that political organization as an opportunity to learn.
In a statement, and after the controversy raised on social media when it became known that it would be represented at a Chega initiative in Lisbon, JURA says that it is simply “an opportunity for interaction, acquisition of knowledge about party dynamics and youth strategies in the international political space”.
This youth branch of UNITA says that the participation generated “discomfort in some sectors in Angola”, but rejects “any attempt to distort the facts, raise unfounded suspicions or promote acts of discrimination and public lynching against young people who decided to learn about other realities”.
“JURA is an organization open to the world, guided by principles of inclusion, plurality, and freedom of thought,” says the statement, which rejects interpretations that associate the initiative with ideological affinities with Chega.
JURA reiterated its commitment to freedom, social justice, solidarity and national unity, arguing that “no democracy can be consolidated by fueling fear or persecution.”
“Growing up also means knowing how to listen, reflect and, if necessary, disagree respectfully,” concludes the note signed by JURA, emphasizing that the gesture was intended to exchange ideas and politically prepare its staff.
Despite this justification, UNITA and its youth wing face a challenge with this option, which is to distance themselves not only from Chega’s neo-fascist ideology, but also from the statements of its leader, AndreĢ Ventura, about Angola and Angolans, including the President of the Republic, whom he called a “bloodthirsty dictator.”
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