CIVICUS discusses recent arbitrary detentions of Angolan activists with Pedro Domingos André ‘Paka’, also known as Pedro Paka, coordinator of Movimento Fúria-99, a human rights organisation.

On 19 July, the Criminal Investigation Service arbitrarily detained activist Osvaldo Caholo in Luanda, Angola’s capital, accusing him of rebellion and incitement after he gave an interview criticising government policies. Caholo, who was previously convicted in 2015, was taken from his home by plainclothes police officers without a warrant. The arrest took place during a week of intense repression, with police using teargas and rubber bullets against peaceful protests triggered by a fuel price increase. Caholo’s lawyer says the state intends to make Caholo an example to deter other activists.

What are the conditions for activism in Angola?

Civic space is increasingly stifled. Although the constitution formally guarantees freedoms of assembly, association and expression, in practice the state systematically represses critical voices, criminalises peaceful protests and instrumentalises institutions such as the courts, the Criminal Investigation Service, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Rapid Intervention Police to persecute activists and opponents. Today, criticising the government means risking abduction, arbitrary detention, intimidation and physical assault.

What happened to Osvaldo Caholo?

Caholo’s case is emblematic of political persecution disguised as legality. He was arrested on 19 July, allegedly for inciting rebellion, public instigation to commit a crime and public vindication of a crime. But the real reason is that he was one of the organisers of a 12 July march against fuel price increases. He broadcast live from the protest, explaining what he would do if he had decision-making power, and the video was widely shared. He also called for further protests in the following weeks.

The authorities have not presented any solid evidence he committed a crime. The judicial process lacks transparency and the authorities have not offered the minimum procedural guarantees, including presumption of innocence. Instead, they have placed Caholo in preventive detention, using this as a form of advance punishment rather than a legally justified measure, which has reinforced suspicions of political motivation.

How has civil society reacted?

Civil society has responded with outrage and solidarity. Human rights organisations, social movements and some independent journalists have denounced the case as yet another episode of political persecution.

They have pointed out that Caholo’s detention is arbitrary and clearly violates Angola’s international human rights commitments. It fits into a growing pattern of repression, with the state increasingly using intimidation, selective criminalisation and violent repression against any form of political or social dissent. This pattern includes arbitrary arrests, censorship, excessive use of police force, threats and a complete disregard for the rule of law.

Despite heavy surveillance and fear, which limits broader mobilisation, there have been vigils, national solidarity campaigns and symbolic protests, mainly on social media.

What protection strategies can human rights defenders adopt?

In such a hostile environment, activists must strengthen their networks and protection strategies. They need training in digital, legal and physical security, particularly in marginalised areas and slums. They should use encrypted communications to avoid surveillance and set up protection committees to monitor arrests and threats and respond in real time.

They should also keep systematic records and report abuses. With the support of regional and international alliances, they should press the Angolan state to respect human rights. And they should preserve the memory of violations as a way to mobilise society and build justice based on truth.

As human rights defenders, we face all these risks because we believe that freedom and human dignity are non-negotiable.