AFRICA | ANGOLA POLITICS
Angolan President Accuses Opposition Leader of Spreading “Blatant Lies”
President João Lourenço’s office has issued a strongly worded statement dismissing recent allegations made by Adalberto Costa Júnior, the leader of the opposition party UNITA, as “false, irresponsible, and unpatriotic”.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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The statement, released by the Presidential Press Secretariat, accuses the opposition leader of deliberately misleading the public and attempting to undermine the integrity of Angola’s democratic institutions.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Mr Costa Júnior, in which he claimed that emissaries linked to President Lourenço approached him with offers to support a constitutional amendment allowing the head of state to seek a third term. He also suggested that Angola’s recent appointment as Chair of the African Union was the result of a financial transaction, a claim the presidency vehemently denies.
The presidential statement categorically denies any move to alter the Constitution to extend term limits, noting that Angola’s Constitution was revised in 2021 under lawful procedures, and that no such proposal was ever brought before parliament.
“If the President had any intention to pursue a third term, a formal proposal would have been submitted to the National Assembly, which is the only competent body in such matters,” the statement reads.
The government challenged Mr Costa Júnior to publicly identify the alleged “emissaries” or face potential legal action.
“Given the gravity of these claims, and in defence of the democratic institutions of the state, the author is urged to disclose who tried to bribe him and under what circumstances. Otherwise, legal proceedings will follow,” it warned.
The presidency also dismissed as “slanderous and harmful to Angola’s international reputation” the allegation that the country paid for its leadership role in the African Union.
According to the statement, Angola’s appointment followed standard procedures and was unanimously approved by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during its 43rd Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2023.
“To imply that our nation bought its position is not only baseless but deeply unpatriotic,” the document added.
“Only someone lacking national pride would see such an achievement as a stain rather than a moment of continental recognition.”
The President’s office accused Mr Costa Júnior of a recurring pattern of misinformation. Citing previous remarks made by the opposition leader, including the unproven claim that a secret tunnel exists between the National Electoral Commission and the Presidential Palace, the government said the burden of proof lies with the accuser.
“He is welcome to bring journalists and show them this alleged tunnel,” the statement said sarcastically.
The statement concludes with a firm reminder that Angola’s democracy must be protected from political manipulation and fabrication. It affirms the government’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional integrity, and transparency.
“In a democratic society, political debate must be rooted in truth. The spread of falsehoods will not go unchallenged,” the presidency said.
