The secretary general of Angola's Unida Revolutionary Youth (JURA), André Ramos, stated that his organization will participate in a national youth meeting announced by President João Lourenço, provided they receive an invitation. This meeting was promised by Lourenço during his State of the Nation address on October 15, 2026, in Luanda. Ramos expressed skepticism about the meeting, questioning what new topics Lourenço would discuss that he hadn't covered in a previous meeting with young people in 2023.
Ramos criticized Lourenço's program for youth, calling it a failure and stating that the president's initiatives, such as the promise of 500,000 jobs, are unattainable. According to Ramos, the current government has not improved the lives of young people, who make up a third of Angola's population but are underrepresented in positions of power. He accused the government of being controlled by older individuals who are out of touch with the needs of young people.
The JURA leader lamented the lack of access to quality education, healthcare, employment, and professional training for young people in Angola. He highlighted the poor state of the education system, citing over 14,000 makeshift classrooms and a lack of resources, including desks and educational materials. Ramos also criticized the healthcare system, stating that many hospitals lack essential medicines and that corruption is rampant.
Ramos also addressed the issue of unemployment, stating that the ruling MPLA party is responsible for the high levels of joblessness among young people. He accused the party of using employment as a tool to control and manipulate the population, with many jobs being allocated to party loyalists. Ramos argued that the government should create an environment conducive to private sector growth and entrepreneurship, rather than being the primary employer.
The JURA leader emphasized the need for genuine reconciliation in Angola, rather than the superficial version promoted by the MPLA. He cited the party's history of violating agreements with the opposition party, UNITA, and accused the MPLA of treating its opponents unfairly. Ramos expressed openness to cooperation with other youth organizations, including those from the ruling party, but noted that such efforts are often met with resistance.
Ramos highlighted the need for Angola to prioritize entrepreneurship and job creation, rather than relying on the government as the primary employer. He argued that the current system is biased against young people who are not affiliated with the ruling party, making it difficult for them to access resources and opportunities. Ramos called for a more inclusive and equitable approach to economic development.
The JURA leader concluded by emphasizing the need for change in Angola, citing the country's potential for growth and development. He expressed hope that the national youth meeting would provide a platform for young people to voice their concerns and contribute to the country's future. Ramos reiterated JURA's commitment to working with other organizations to promote positive change and address the challenges facing Angola's youth.
Key points
- JURA agrees to attend national youth meeting announced by President João Lourenço.
