<<previous  |  index  |  next>>

VIII. CONCLUSION

While the cessation of hostilities has brought significant relief to Angola and its inhabitants, the country's nascent democratic institutions and civil society are still fragile. Although the imprisonment and harassment of journalists, common between 1999 and 2001, is happening less frequently, constitutionally guaranteed rights, including those of free speech and assembly, are still not universally enjoyed or enforced. Serious violations continue to take place, affecting opposition activists, journalists, and other members of civil society particularly outside of Luanda.

The existing Angolan constitution is an enlightened document that affords its citizens those rights necessary for participation in the democratic process. Yet current restrictions on freedom of information and assembly in Angola undermine the principles of democratic governance. While certain reforms to the current law would be desirable, what is required is the proper implementation of the existing laws. This may be seen in the area of freedom of association, where government supporters and agents resort to measures that are clearly illegal (and often brutal) in silencing their opponents. It may be seen in the area of freedom of expression, where the judicial system fails to meet its duty of impartiality in imprisoning journalists and ruling in favor of complaints brought by government officials on dubious grounds. And it may be seen in the area of freedom of association, where the laws guaranteeing the right to free peaceful assembly are often ignored by the authorities.

Restrictions on free speech on the grounds of national security must only be invoked under the stringent criteria of international jurisprudence and the treaties to which Angola is a party. Freedom of information should be guaranteed to allow every individual to obtain records and information held by the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branches of government, as well as any state-owned enterprises or others in charge of public functions.

While Angolan institutions and civil society have the responsibility of creating and protecting these freedoms, they need the support of the international community to promote the rights of expression and assembly in Angola, and also to call attention to the frequent violation of these internationally guaranteed rights.