Angolan NGOs demand local government legislation
Four civil society groups urged the National Assembly to prioritize and approve pending legislation for the immediate implementation of local government.
A coalition of Angolan non-governmental organizations, including OMUNGA, UPANGE, Friends of Angola, and ALDA, has expressed concern over delays in establishing local governments. In an open letter to the National Assembly, they cited President João Lourenço's statements on the upcoming municipal elections and stressed the constitutional imperative to institutionalize local authorities. The groups are calling for the immediate inclusion of remaining local government legislation on the current legislative agenda for discussion and approval.
The NGOs advocate for broad public consultation, involving civil society, traditional authorities, and citizens across Angola's 21 provinces. They believe this inclusive process is crucial for shaping the model of local governance. President Lourenço had previously urged opposition parties to resolve parliamentary impasses hindering the creation of elected local councils, stating that consensus among parliamentary groups is essential for moving forward.
The organizations argue that the lack of agreement on key aspects of the local government legislative package is the primary cause of the delay, potentially leading to a setback in the decentralization of power. They are pushing for consensus-building between the ruling MPLA party and the main opposition UNITA to finalize the process and implement the long-awaited local government structures.
Why it mattersAngolan citizens are affected by the delay in establishing local governments, which hinders the decentralization of power and their participation in governance.