Angolan President João Lourenço has signed a new law regulating nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society groups, raising serious concerns about the shrinking civic space in the country. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that the legislation could be used to suppress dissent and restrict independent operations.
The law, published on March 2, grants authorities wide-ranging powers to authorize, monitor, suspend, and financially restrict organizations under vague claims of “security threats.” Without clear legal safeguards or independent oversight, NGOs fear that critical voices could be silenced, undermining freedoms of association and expression guaranteed under international human rights conventions.
This legislation follows a pattern of increasing restrictions on rights in Angola. In 2024, President Lourenço approved the Law on Crimes of Vandalism of Public Goods and Services, criminalizing peaceful protest, and the National Security Law, which allows authorities to supervise media and interrupt broadcasts without judicial oversight. Proposed legislation on “online disinformation” in January 2026 has further heightened concerns over limitations on free expression and public debate.
Human rights advocates call on Angolan authorities to review and remove abusive provisions from the NGO law and other recent measures. Protecting civil society space is essential for democracy, ensuring that independent organizations, including those defending human rights, can operate freely and without interference.
