During his visit to Angola from 13 to 15 October, US President Joe Biden must demand Angolan President João Lourenço and his government immediately release five government critics arbitrarily detained for more than a year, four of whom have been tortured through deliberate denial of medical care, Amnesty International said.
Why is President Biden’s Intervention Crucial?
- Five government critics in Angola have been detained arbitrarily for over a year.
- Four of them have been subjected to torture by withholding medical care.
The Crackdown on Peaceful Protests
- Angolan government has carried out a four-year crackdown on peaceful protests.
- Dozens of people, including children, have been killed during protests, and over 100 have been arrested arbitrarily.
Amnesty International emphasizes the need for respecting the rights of all people in Angola and calls for an immediate release of the detainees and an end to the crackdown on protests.
Call for Action by Amnesty International
- Amnesty International Senior Director wants President Biden to prioritize human rights in his foreign policy.
- It’s crucial for Angola to release the detained government critics.
President Biden’s aim to focus on American support for Angola’s Lobito Corridor project brings attention to Angola’s rich mineral deposits and oil wealth. However, despite its resources, the population faces poverty, unemployment, and inequality, leading to peaceful protests met with repression and violence by security forces.
The Importance of Prioritizing Human Rights
- Kate Hixon from Amnesty International USA stresses the necessity of prioritizing human rights in African private sector development.
- President Biden’s visit to Angola is an opportunity to advocate for upholding international human rights obligations.
Amnesty International highlights the connection between Angola’s resource wealth distribution and government repression. Laws restricting criticism and limiting freedoms of expression, assembly, and press have driven fear and curtailed dissent.
Summary: President Biden’s call for the release of detained critics and respect for human rights in Angola is crucial amid ongoing crackdowns on protests and dissent.
Source: www.amnesty.org