Angolan Catholic Bishops Urge Government to Prioritize Citizens' Needs

The Catholic Church in Angola has urged the government to prioritize citizens' needs and ensure transparent management of the country's resources. In a statement released during the II Assembleia Plenária da Conferência Episcopal de Angola e São Tomé (CEAST), the bishops emphasized the need to combat corruption, waste, and cronyism. They also called for a focus on agriculture and local production.

The CEAST president, José Manuel Imbamba, expressed concern about the country's social and economic situation, stating that citizens' hopes are being suffocated by social, political, cultural, and religious issues. He emphasized the need for a change, highlighting that the current environment is affecting the emotional and psychological well-being of Angolans.

The bishops noted that many communities in Angola remain excluded from the country's development, often being manipulated and instrumentalized. They stressed that social exclusion is an open wound that needs to be addressed. Imbamba urged the government to prioritize citizens' needs and ensure that they are at the center of all public policies.

Imbamba praised the government's efforts to promote peace and national reconciliation, describing it as a "louvável" work done in collaboration with civil society. He also welcomed the inauguration of the Memorial às Vítimas dos Conflitos Políticos, which honors citizens who died in political conflicts between 1975 and 2002.

Despite acknowledging the government's efforts, Imbamba noted that the challenges facing citizens are still significant, particularly in the areas of unemployment, infrastructure, and essential services. He expressed concern about the high rate of young people who are unemployed or in precarious jobs, which could affect the quality of life of future generations.

The Catholic Church also addressed the upcoming general elections in August 2027, urging that they should be a celebration of citizenship and maturity, rather than a source of division, fear, or violence. Imbamba called on political, social, and religious leaders to promote civism, tolerance, and dialogue.

The II Assembleia Plenária da CEAST will discuss various topics, including the challenges of artificial intelligence, the preparation of a pastoral message for the 2027 elections, and reports from episcopal commissions. The assembly aims to promote reflection and action on these issues, with a focus on serving the needs of Angolan citizens.

Key points

• The Angolan Catholic Church is pushing for greater transparency and accountability in government.
• The Church wants a focus on agriculture, local production, and citizens' needs.
• Upcoming elections in 2027 should promote citizenship and maturity.