Angola's President Critiques Colonial Legacy and Addresses Migration Laws in Portugal

Angolan President João Lourenço recently shared his views on Angola's progress post-independence and expressed concerns over Portugal's new foreign nationals law. In an interview with TVI/CNN Portugal, Lourenço highlighted that "Angola has achieved more in 50 years than the colonial regime did in 500 years", emphasizing advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Migration Laws and International Relations

Lourenço admitted to some discomfort with Portugal's newly approved foreign nationals law, though Angola has not officially protested as Brazil did. He stressed the importance of fair treatment for immigrants, drawing parallels to how Portuguese emigrants were welcomed worldwide. This topic is expected to be discussed during his upcoming three-day visit to Portugal.

Angola's Independence and Colonial Comparison

As Angola approaches 50 years of independence, Lourenço plans to present a detailed comparison of the country's development pre and post-independence. He criticized those who nostalgically claim the colonial era was better, urging them to consider the facts.

Succession and Political Persecution

With presidential elections two years away, Lourenço is quietly considering his successor, hoping they will match or exceed his achievements. He also addressed allegations of political persecution against Isabel dos Santos, stating that legal actions in multiple countries undermine such claims.

Geopolitical Stance and Domestic Protests

Lourenço praised Angola's diplomatic relations with global powers and called for a new world order through peaceful means. Domestically, he dismissed protests against fuel price hikes as unfounded, attributing them to those seeking to destabilize the government.

Angola's journey from colonialism to independence and its current challenges reflect a nation striving for progress amidst global and domestic complexities.