Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
06LUANDA1316 | 2006-12-29 10:30:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Luanda |
1. (U) Topics Covered -------------------------- -- MPLA Promotes National Plan -- Muslims Allowed To Reopen Mosques -- Workshop on "Human Rights and Poverty" -- GRA Launches "www.angola-portal.ao" MPLA Promotes National Plan During 50th Anniversary -------------------------- -------------------------- 2. (U) On December 1st the MPLA kicked-off a 10-day celebration to mark its 50th anniversary. Speaking both as head of government and party chief, President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos unveiled the MPLA's long term plan for the country, dubbed "Angola 2025." The plan grew out the MPLA's proposed 2004 "National Agenda of Consensus." Billed as Angola's "Marshall Plan" for post war reconstruction, the National Agenda presented economic and social goals and policies that amend the constitution, expand executive power, and include an obligatory clause making the plan binding for any party in power. Opposition parties blocked the Plan, and its reappearance as "Angola 2025" provoked strong criticism from UNITA party leader Isaias Samakuva (reftel A). 3. (SBU) COMMENT: Although the MPLA is officially a political party, its position as the party in power gives it the leverage and resources to rule through laws passed by its majority in the Assembly. Opposition leaders fear that the MPLA will impose "Angola 2025" instead of building a true consensus. The non-stop media coverage of the MPLA's celebrations, awards ceremonies, and parades contrasted with the lack of media coverage and denial of marching permits for UNITA and PRS activities during the month, further confirming the MPLA's hold on state television, radio, and newspapers. END COMMENT Muslims Allowed To Reopen Mosques -------------------------- 4. (U) The government authorized the Islamic Community of Angola (COIA) to reopen mosques shut down in Luanda since January 2006. The National Institute for Religious Issues (INAR) had ordered the mosques closed on the grounds that they had opened without authorization from the Ministry of Justice and approval from INAR. INAR has now granted a temporary permit to COIA and authorization from the Ministry of Justice is pending. 5. (SBU) COMMENT: Opening a place of worship requires legal authorization in Angola, and prerequisites include signatures from a hundred thousand adherents. Angola may not have that many Muslims, but the government seems to be making an exception in this case. Most of Angola's Muslims are West African immigrants. END COMMENT Workshop on "Human Rights and Poverty" -------------------------- 6. (U) UNHCR and the Human Rights Committee of the Angolan Parliament conducted a workshop on "Human Rights and Poverty" as part of their commemoration of Human Rights Day. The two-day workshop featured presentations by noted academic, NGO, and political leaders on issues such as the "vicious circle" of poverty, conflict and insecurity and the role of civil society in the fight against poverty. In his closing remarks, Parliament President Roberto D'Almeida admitted that it is regrettable that Angolans, like many people in many countries, still lack a decent standard of living and the capacity to exercise their social rights to education, health services and employment. He also lamented what he characterized as a "dual standard" presented by international organizations when preparing Human Rights Reports. 7. (U) Debates between NGO, government, and opposition attendees were often lively and aggressive during the discussion periods that followed each presentation. Much discussion centered on Article Nine of the Angolan Constitution, which obligates the government to provide economic stability and well being for its citizens. People questioned if the government is violating this article and if so, what are the consequences. Consensus was not reached on this or any other issue. NOTE: The first discussion period was not well moderated, leading to accusations of MPLA favoritism and at least one NGO representative stalking off in anger, but the lesson was learned and subsequent discussion periods had timed comment periods for all who wished to address the group. END NOTE GRA Launches Government website -------------------------- 8. (U) On December 5, Prime Minister Fernando Dos Santos launched the official Government webpage as part of an effort to modernize governmental services, reduce bureaucracy, and increase transparency. The Government has pledged to computerize all LUANDA 00001316 002 OF 002 services by 2008. The Ministry of Science and Technology is working in conjunction with the Public University to implement the National Information Technology plan. The IT Plan was launched on December 1 with a week of activities, including workshops, activation of a national computer laboratory, inauguration of the official webpage and distribution of computers to governmental Ministries. 9. (SBU) COMMENT: While the effort is praiseworthy, the web page is hard to access and features bandwidth-hungry graphics, something which is problematical in a country with limited bandwidth and a 1.3 percent internet penetration rate. End comment. FERNANDEZ |