Angola’s Catholic Church speaks of socio-political “nervousness” and calls for urgent dialogue

The leader of the Angolan Catholic Church said this Monday that Angola is experiencing a climate of social and political “nervousness”, with friction, an atmosphere of intolerance and unacceptable expressions, calling on politicians “urgently” to create a basis for dialogue.

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, speaking after an audience with the President of the National Assembly (Parliament) of Angola, said that there is a climate of nervousness and socio-political tensions in the country that should encourage politicians to build bridges for dialogue.

“That is why we have come to this house to launch a bridge of necessary dialogue, we reflect on the environment in which we live, on the political culture that takes place in the country and on the urgent need to create a basis for permanent dialogue between political parties,” – said the President of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tome (CEAST).

According to the CEAST President, Angola’s current political scenario is also marked by the “inappropriate use” of certain languages ​​that do not help the country create a sense of hospitality, solidarity, social peace, responsible, active and conscious citizenship.

Angolan workers began this Monday the second phase of a general strike, demanding higher wages, an adjustment to the national minimum wage and a reduction in labor income tax, lamenting the government’s “indifference” to their demands.

The devaluation of the kwanzaa and the daily rise in prices of basic basket staples are also part of the complaints of Angolan citizens who say they cannot get the minimum amount to support their families, and Angolan President João Lourenço: having approved last week a civil service salary supplement of 30,000 kwanzas (33.6 euros).

The political situation continues to be characterized by complaints of political intolerance following an attack on a caravan of UNITA (main opposition party) deputies in Cuando Cubango province, which left several people injured.

“It is the environment that has to do with this social nervousness that we feel, this political nervousness that we feel, with some of the intolerances that we hear, and that is why there is a need for politicians in those places where the tone of intolerance is still high . high, go out there and work with communities,” the CEAST leader insisted.

Archbishop Saurimo also called on Angolan politicians to “take responsibility [no âmbito da convivência pacífica entre cidadãos] and don’t isolate yourself in your parties.”

“Politicians need to know how to coexist with communities and work towards a culture of peace, harmony and reconciliation,” concluded José Manuel Imbamba.