The Angolan parliament has passed a bill that would grant the government extensive control over NGOs, prompting Human Rights Watch to urge the president to reject it in favor of international standards.
A recent bill approved by the Angolan parliament seeks to impose significant restrictions on civil society organizations, raising serious concerns among human rights advocates about government overreach. Passed on January 22, 2026, this legislation, introduced by the executive branch in 2023, aims to regulate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) but does so in a way that threatens their autonomy and effectiveness. Human Rights Watch has vehemently criticized the bill, stating it could lead to excessive governmental control and impede fundamental freedoms essential for the operation of civil society.
The draft Law on the Statute of Non-Governmental Organizations gives authorities extensive administrative powers, allowing for the authorization, monitoring, suspension, and financial restriction of NGOs. This level of oversight could stifle dissent and curtail the activities of groups that play a critical role in holding the government accountable and advocating for citizens' rights. Human Rights Watch has called on President João Lourenço not to sign the bill into law and instead to send it back to parliament for necessary revisions that align with Angola’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
The implications of this legislation are profound, as they reflect a growing trend in some countries towards tightening the screws on civil society through legal avenues. If enacted, the law could set a precedent for increasing repression and diminishing democratic space in Angola, further undermining the ability of citizens to express themselves freely and to organize for social change. As the public waits for the president's decision, the bill's fate will likely influence the future dynamics of civil society within the country and its adherence to international human rights standards.
