Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, an interview with the American broadcaster CNN, deemed the response of the security forces in disturbances that occurred this year to have been proportional to the seriousness of the situation.
He explained that such events went beyond mere peaceful demonstrations, transforming themselves in acts of vandalism that put human lives at risk and destroyed public and private property.
He went on to clarify that the State has the responsibility to protect its citizens and goods, including equipment and infrastructures of collective utility, therefore, the response of the authorities has been necessary and adequate.
Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech
As regards criticisms relating to freedom of press, plus the legislation on the use of the Social Media, President João Lourenço asserted that Angola is among those African countries that have a broad press opening, whereby several (public and private) media outlets coexist, including a wide digital space.
The Head of State underscored that even in electoral periods there was never restriction in internet access or attempts to limit journalistic coverage, which demonstrates the commitment of the Angolan Executive to the principles of democracy and free circulation of ideas.
He went on to say that the recently approved laws aim to guarantee responsible use of the media, including the social media, without undermining the fundamental freedoms.
Democratic environment consolidation
João Lourenço reafirmed that Angola will continue to consolidate its democratic and law-abiding state with strong institutions, free press and active participation of the civil society.
He reiterated that freedom of speech and of press is an irreversible conquest of the Angolan people and one of the pillars of the democracy that is being built (in Angola) in the past 50 years of national independence.
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