PAD Meeting in Angola: A Statement on Democratic Challenges and Resilience
The Platform for African Democrats convened in Angola despite government obstruction. Significant figures from various nations attended, emphasizing democracy. The Angolan government faced criticism for its actions that undermined democratic discourse. The events reinforced a collective commitment to pursuing accountability and justice across Africa, illustrating the interconnectedness of democratic struggles on the continent.
On March 14, 2025, the Platform for African Democrats (PAD), a collective of African leaders dedicated to promoting democracy and accountability, convened its third annual meeting in Angola amidst efforts by the Angolan government to obstruct the event. The PAD, established in 2023, seeks to enhance the efficacy of African political parties through experience sharing and the identification of effective electoral practices, underscoring the importance of democracy in African governance.
The meeting’s location was significant as Angola holds the Chair of the African Union (AU) at present. Coinciding with this event, the AU held its summit in Addis Ababa, where President João Lourenço assumed leadership. The summit’s theme for the upcoming year is ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.’ The Benguela event, titled ‘The Future of Democracy in Africa,’ sought to build upon discussions from prior PAD meetings held in Gdansk and Cape Town concerning increasing openness and accountability in light of rising authoritarianism.
The PAD, which is sponsored by an array of international pro-democracy organizations including The Brenthurst Foundation, attracted significant political figures. Among the attendees were Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, Moeketsi Majoro, ex-Prime Minister of Lesotho, Andrés Pastrana Arango, former President of Colombia, and Othman Shariff, First Vice President of Zanzibar.
In response to the meeting, the Angolan regime took several measures to thwart participation. Numerous delegates were denied visas under vague pretenses, and others were detained at the airport for hours without explanation. Specifically, delegates from nations including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and South Sudan faced challenges in gaining entry.
The government’s assurances to facilitate transport to the meeting were ultimately unfulfilled, as several vehicles reportedly ‘broke down,’ preventing proper access. This pattern of actions reveals a calculated attempt by the Angolan government to undermine the democratic process while masquerading as a democracy.
The recent events further underline the regime’s readiness to embarrass former leaders and obstruct democratic discussions in a bid to resist progressive governance. President Lourenço’s approach, which restricts conversations around democracy, is indicative of a broader unwillingness to accept reformative ideas concerning Africa’s future.
In solidarity, the condemned participants of the Benguela meeting have called for an official apology from President Lourenço to the affected delegates. The incidents have not diminished resolve; instead, they have reinforced the commitment of African democrats to sustaining the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability throughout the continent.
The experiences at the Luanda and Benguela events demonstrate how authoritarian systems exploit their power to maintain control, often at the detriment of the populace, while superficially adhering to democratic norms. The determination for democratization across Africa is invigorated, calling for a unified and vigorous response from advocates of democracy. The endeavor for justice and representative governance remains interconnected across the continent, revealing shared challenges and aspirations.
The statement regarding the events surrounding the PAD meeting in Angola highlights severe infringements on the democratic process by the Angolan regime. Despite attempts to disrupt the assembly, proponents of democracy unite in their determination to enhance governance and accountability in Africa. The overarching theme remains that the pursuit of democracy transcends borders, and elected officials must recognize their responsibility to uphold the values of justice and representation.
Original Source: www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org
