The Angolan ruling party, MPLA, has admitted to an error in the distribution of accreditation forms to journalists covering its 9th Ordinary Congress, scheduled for December 9-10, 2026, in Luanda. The forms, which included a field for the Committee of Action Party (CAP) number, were intended for party militants, not journalists. The mistake was acknowledged by Esteves Hilário, Secretary of the Political Bureau for Information and Propaganda.
The controversy arose after the Novo Jornal published a story highlighting the inclusion of the CAP number field in the forms distributed to media outlets. Hilário attributed the error to a mix-up of forms, assuring that the party did not intend to require journalists to provide their party affiliation. The incident sparked concerns among journalists, who feared it could hinder their ability to obtain accreditation.
In response to the backlash, Hilário announced that journalists would instead receive an online link to complete their accreditation process, eliminating the need for in-person registration. He also guaranteed that the CAP number would not be required from journalists assigned to cover the event. The clarification came as a relief to many in the media community.
Prior to the MPLA's clarification, the Angolan Journalists' Union (SJA) had condemned the request for CAP numbers, calling it inappropriate. SJA Secretary-General Pedro Miguel urged journalists not to fill in the CAP number field, arguing that party affiliation should not be a requirement for covering political activities.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Angola, particularly when it comes to covering political events. The SJA's concerns about the accreditation process reflect broader issues regarding press freedom and the ability of journalists to report independently.
The MPLA's 9th Congress is a significant event, and the party's handling of the accreditation process has raised questions about its commitment to transparency and press freedom. The incident may have implications for the party's relationships with the media and the broader public.
The online accreditation process is set to simplify the registration process for journalists, reducing the risk of errors and misunderstandings. The MPLA's clarification has helped to alleviate concerns among journalists, who can now focus on preparing for the congress.
Key points
- The MPLA admitted to an error in distributing accreditation forms to journalists that included a field for party membership numbers.
- The party has announced an online accreditation process to simplify registration for journalists.
- The incident highlights concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report independently in Angola.
